Carl Edward "Ed" Carbaugh

July 14, 1955 - June 26, 2025

Carl Edward "Ed" Carbaugh

Carl Edward “Ed” Carbaugh passed away unexpectedly on June 26, 2025, at the age of 69. Ed was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Denise; his daughter, JoBeth, and her husband Jason; his son, George; and his cherished granddaughter, Merrily. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Betty Carbaugh, and his infant sister, Joyce Ellen.

Longtime residents of Chesapeake, VA, Ed and Denise moved to Raleigh, NC, earlier this year to be closer to family. This new chapter has been full of hope and happiness, though heartbreakingly short for him. The family grieves deeply, but they are comforted knowing he was spared the difficult final stages of multiple sclerosis, a condition he had faced with strength and dignity for many years.

Ed will be remembered for his booming voice, warm laugh, and strong character. He was a steady hand in every setting. Professionally, Ed was a fourth-generation railroader who built an accomplished career over 41 years with Norfolk Southern Railway. His work took him to busy rail yards all across the eastern US before he settled into a leadership role in the corporate office in Norfolk, VA. There, he helped interface with U.S. transportation agencies and rail safety commissions, serving with integrity, knowledge, and good humor.

Ed’s life was rooted in faith, service, and community. For over three decades, he was an active, faithful disciple of Jesus at Great Bridge UMC in Chesapeake. He served in church leadership, the United Methodist Men, and Boy Scout Troop 48. Alongside Denise, he helped guide the Good News Sunday School class. In recent years, he also found a home in the fellowship of Living Sacrifice Church and Apostles Raleigh, where he continued to nurture his deep love for faith and connection. Ed volunteered his time and talents with FaithWorks Coalition, where he supported the organization through grant writing and accounting. He was also a tireless volunteer with NEST (Norfolk Emergency Shelter Team) and CAST (Chesapeake Area Shelter Team) by driving vans, serving meals, and spending overnight shifts to ensure others had a safe place to stay. Wherever there was a need, Ed faithfully stepped in.

It brought Ed joy to see the past honored and remembered. Like his father before him, Ed was a gifted storyteller, carrying the family lore of previous generations into the present. Deeply sentimental, he carried memories of his family with reverence and passed on their stories often and with great affection. A proud Hokie, Ed earned his history and business degrees from Virginia Tech, where he was a member of the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity. He often spoke with fondness for the friends and mentors he found during those formative years. He was an enthusiastic participant in Bible studies and local men’s discussion groups, like the Civil War Round Table, where he found friendship, laughter, and meaningful dialogue.

Memorial Services
Remembrance services will be held at Church of the Messiah in Chesapeake, VA, (July 12, 1 PM), at Apostles Church in Raleigh, NC (July 14th at 2 PM), with a final graveside ceremony at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens in Roanoke, VA (September, TBA).

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Ed’s memory to FaithWorks Coalition.

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Tributes

Maris Caldwell sent Peace & Serenity Dishgarden for Carl Edward "Ed" Carbaugh - July 09, 2025

Sending love to George and the Carbaugh family - George's Raleigh Crew

Condolences

July 14, 2025

Jim Daniels

I had the privilege of working with Ed, when he was Assistant Supt in Chicago. I honestly cannot remember a time he did not have a smile on face. My condolences to the family Jim Daniels (NS Police Retd)
July 13, 2025

Audrey Clausing

I am so very sorry for your loss, Denise. Love and prayers to you and your family. Audrey Clausing
July 12, 2025

Laura Lane

I was sorry to hear about Ed passing away. I remember him from the Hampton Roads Civil War Round Table where he was an integral member. He was always so helpful and upbeat. His family is in my thoughts and prayers.
July 09, 2025

Curt Stanley

I was so sorry to learn Ed had passed. I had the pleasure of knowing and working with him for many years as we both worked on security related matters for not only Norfolk Southern but the rail industry overall. Ed was a dedicated employee and was always one to help out whenever needed. My thoughts and prayers are with you Denise and all the family. May God Bless you all and comfort each of your hearts. My deepest sympathy. - Curt Stanley
July 09, 2025

DebbieSekscinski

So sorry for your family's loss . It was always a joy being in choir with Ed . May God hold you in the palm of his hand and give you peace
July 08, 2025

David Julian

Ed was always positive, optimistic, encouraging and supportive of others. As Infrastructure Security Director with Norfolk Southern, he was completely entrenched with the government security officials, our protocols for compliance and support, and a tremendous worker to accomplish our corporate and railroad industry goals and objectives. What a blessing. Ed was and is beloved.
July 08, 2025

Doug and Barbara Pauly

Very sad to hear and now read the news of Ed's passing. He was indeed a good guy and a good man. I enjoyed quite a few conversations with him about that "great old-time rock and roll music", as well as other subjects. May he RIP. To you Ed, we still owe each other a taco lunch! LOL. God's Blessings to Ed and his family!
July 08, 2025

Glen Robertson

I am deeply saddened to learn of Ed's passing. I served on the board of the Hampton Roads Civil War Round Table with Ed where his leadership, commitment and willingness to help in any way he could were always appreciated. His kindness and decency made it a pleasure to know him and work with him on this common interest. Our world is poorer today than it was before his passing.
July 07, 2025

Candice Bennett

Ed was larger than life and full of love. He will be missed. May God surround all of you with friends and love in your grief. Candice Bennett and Patrick Fitzgerald.
July 07, 2025

Elissa Ramey

Denise I am so sorry for the loss of your husband. May God comfort your heart. My prayers are with you during this difficult time. Elissa Ramey