Neil Carns Obituary

Commander Neil "Buzz" Sherman Carns, USN (Ret.) CHARLESTON - Commander Neil "Buzz" Sherman Carns, USN (Ret.), 84, of Charleston, South Carolina, widower of Carolyn "Cari" Coleman Carns, entered into eternal rest Monday, October 9, 2023. His Funeral Service will be held Friday, November 10, 2023 at Old St. Andrew's Parish Church, 2604 Ashley River Road at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow in the Churchyard. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel. Buzz was born March 30, 1939 in Aberdeen, Washington to Margaret Preble Carns and Neil Weaver Carns and was a loving brother to Janet Carns Snodgrass. He started his distinguished naval career as a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, class of 1961. He earned a Master's degree (MPA, 1970) from the University of Washington, served as the Commanding Officer of the USS Von Steuben SSBN 632 and the USS James Monroe SSBN 622 and achieved the rank of Captain before his retirement in 1981. Buzz was a recognized leader in every aspect of his life. He and Cari enjoyed his naval career with posts in Hawaii, Washington State and Charleston, SC. When he retired from the Navy, he transitioned into the Nuclear Power sector, where he successfully led utility nuclear power plants for Entergy, Wolf Creek, Northeast Utilities and Con Edison. In 1996, he was awarded the American Nuclear Society's Utility Industry Leadership Award for his leadership as Wolf Creek's CEO. He co-founded Utilities Services Alliance (USA) a non-profit group of Nuclear Plant Operators aligned to share fleet benefits while remaining independent. Upon his retirement from Nuclear Power, Cari and Buzz returned to Charleston, where they called home. He was an active member of Old Saint Andrews Parish Church, where he was serving on the Vestry. Buzz enjoyed 53 years with the love of his life, Cari who preceded him in death. Buzz is survived by his two sons: Neil Coleman Carns (Vanessa) of Richmond, VA and Richard Carns (Shannon); daughter, Margaret Manuel (William) all of Charleston, SC; ten grandchildren: Micah Carns, Lindsay Carns Dombrowski, Dillon Carns, Cole Carns, Briggs Manuel, Anna Grace Carns, Walker Manuel, Caroline Carns, Rhett Carns and Carolyn June Carns; and four great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Old St. Andrew's Parish Church, 2604 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29414 in the name of Neil "Buzz" Carns. A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston