Carnell Doster Sr.'s Obituary
Carnell was born in Newton, AL but later relocated to Pinckard, AL with his family as a young child. Under the watchful eye of his devoted mother, he accepted Jesus Christ into his life at an early age and attended Greater St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church with his family in Pinckard. At 14 years old (1946), he left home, became a migrant construction worker, traveling throughout the south, but mainly in Georgia. There, he met and married Nell Wayne Davis and to this union one son, Carnell Doster, Jr was born in 1955. In 1961, he moved his young family to Cleveland, OH and was hired by Cleveland Maintenance as a truck driver. In 1966, he joined in marriage to Lucille Brown in Cleveland, OH. From this union, he raised four daughters, Willa Mae Brown-Lester (Jerome) of Lagrange, GA, Tracey Josey-Allen (Wendell), Annette Furry (Brian) both of Cleveland, OH and Lannette Henderson (J. Corey) of Dayton, OH.
In 1979, recognizing the advantages of professional independence, Carnell established C&D Demolition for which he was owner/operator. Skilled as a bull-dozer/ crane operator and other heavy equipment, Carnell quickly built an excellent reputation for himself with the City of Cleveland as a minority contractor. He had small associations with other minority contractors: Broadway Wrecking Co 1981-1982, Earnest Beck Co, NCMD, Inc 1986. Still owner/operator of C&D Demolition he acquired a partner and established, C & J Contractors, 1983-1998. He worked tirelessly over the years. After many, many years of service, he retired at the age of 62 years old in 1994. He stayed on with C&J as a consultant until 1998.
Carnell was an easy-going, friendly spirit who loved to talk. Always concerned for others, if asked, he would help however he could, never any judgment. He loved baseball and especially enjoyed watching the Cleveland Indians on television and when he could, occasionally went to see a live game at the stadium. He loved driving and would often take his favorite drive back to Alabama to visit family and friends. If he wasn’t on the telephone, reaching out to others, he would stop by to visit whether local or long distance. Carnell enjoyed joking and laughing and could find humor in any situation. Although he only had a 4th or 5th grade education, he was curious about many things and would often strike up a conversation about current events. The lack of education did not stop him. He knew the benefits and freedom involved in business ownership and was self-employed for over 20 years.
Throughout his life, Carnell listened to gospel music specifically groups like: The Mighty Clouds of Joy, The Soul Stirrers, The Blind Boys of Alabama and the Sensational Nightingales, just to name a few. He spent countless hours with his 8-track tape player, listening to these groups repeatedly.
In later years of retirement, Carnell would often watch Christian based television programs and especially enjoying the music segments. He would say with a smile, “Look at that, they sound really good.”
Carnell was a great son and brother who loved his parents and siblings dearly. He was a good husband, father, and grandfather. He met no enemies and made many friends. He taught his children to love and protect each other without fail and always be a defender of what is good and right in the eyes of the Lord. His wisdom also lives in his grand and great-grandchildren.
Carnell departed this life on November 30, 2020. He leaves to mourn his wife, Lucille, a son, Carnell Doster, Jr of Cleveland; four daughters, Willa Mae Brown-Lester (Jerome) of Lagrange, GA, Tracey Josey-Allen (Wendell, Jr.), Annette Furry (Brian) both of Cleveland, OH and Lannette Henderson (J. Corey) of Dayton, OH. Grandchildren: Cory Josey of Cleveland, OH, Juante Allen (Lena) of Cleveland Hts., OH, Deante Furry, Diamond Sherrard, Andrea Allen of Cleveland, OH; Kenneth Freeman (Kendra) of LaGrange, GA, Khiry and Khadijah Henderson of Indianapolis, IN. Greatgrandchildren: Malaki Officer, Corionte and Raijon Josey, Kai Allen all of Cleveland, OH; Keonna and Kensley Freeman, Madison Lewis, Meagan Walton all of LaGrange, GA and Ricky Bussey of Cleveland Hts, OH. His siblings, Helen (Billy) Hudgen of Pinkard, AL, Julian Doster (Rena) of Dothan, AL and Kato Doster (Queen, deceased) of Sarasota, FL and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Arnie and Earline Doster and his siblings, Ansel Doster, Arthur Doster, Jr. and Janette Doster.
The nicheside side service will be held on Monday, December 21, 2020 at 2:30 PM at Sunset Memorial Park, 6265 Columbia Rd. North Olmsted, OH. Please meet at the front gate at 2:15 PM.
To view the recorded service, please click the following link:
https://viewneral.zoom.us/rec/play/9X2kqllUzgDZQDCgcTqnijUKmn6kvGsJXbFd92gT8NFTIg8uyZEY4Oyb7nPFz6ZbBWaSB0pviPg7Tw2k.NbaBpUqQaPkeLZAf
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