Carlton Maxwell Muse

Carlton Maxwell Muse Sr. passed peacefully at 92 years old in his home on Sunday, November 12, 2023, while watching the sunrise over Broad Creek. According to his birth certificate, Carlton was debatably born on July 31, 1931, but his mother told him otherwise.

Carlton “Mack,” or “Son” as he was referred to by his parents, was as salty as they come. He was a proud United States Coast Guard Veteran, serving in both active duty and USCG reserves. He was also a lifelong commercial fisherman, who was once air lifted off the F/V Miss Pamlico when she hit the bottom in Oregon Inlet. Year after year he would trawl the waters from the Mid- Atlantic all the way to Key West, Florida. He loved fishing so much that he would move his family to the Keys once a year, just for shrimp season. Carlton and his family would always find their way back home, to Little Pamlico. When he finally grew tired of the wind in his face, the salt in his hair, and missing Shirley May way too often, he took over C.M. Muse Seafood. It was just down the road from home; so, he could spend every night with the ones he loved most. This business, “the fish house” as we all lovingly called it over the years, was one of his greatest joys and accomplishments. Captain Carlton was and always will be a man of the sea. He loved the seafood industry, and ran a successful fish house for many years, under the direct supervision of his dear wife, Shirley. In the late 1990’s, they decided that it was time to retire and really enjoy the home and family they had worked so hard to build. Carlton was an active member of Pamlico Methodist Church, the North Carolina Fisheries Association, and a Freemason. In his spare time, he was a scratch golfer and the best rod and reel trout fisherman in the Neuse River Basin. Carlton was a loving husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed sharing his interests, passions and home with others. Most recently he shined in his proudest role yet, as great-grandfather. He loved to spend time with his family and friends, but as a big kid at heart, he smiled the most while playing with his great-grandchildren.

Carlton was preceded in death by his parents, Clinton and Ethel Muse; his wife, Shirley Muse; his older sisters, Helen Hudgins and Louise Muse, plus three other siblings who died very young in the 1920s. He was also preceded in death by his two children, Carlton Muse Jr and Teresa Cooney and grandson, William Clinton Muse.

Carlton leaves behind one daughter, Suellen Muse; three grandchildren, John Cooney and his wife, Cristina, who he considered his fourth grandchild, Bryant Cooney, Carly Muse and her husband, Andrew Schneider. Carlton also has three great- grandchildren, Theo Schneider, Emmett Schneider, and Miles Cooney. Carlton has numerous other extended family members he cared about dearly.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, November 17th at Pamlico Methodist Church with a service at 11:00 am. Come prepared to share your favorite stories of the man we all loved.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of Pamlico County. PO Box 6, Bayboro, NC 28515.