Robert Carson
Robert Lee “Bob” Carson Sr. (1908-2009) was a prominent Scott County educator who served as mayor of Oneida from 1973 to 1979.
See Also: Mayors of Oneida
Preceded By: William N. Proctor • Succeeded By: Rodney West
Early Life
Born in Oneida on July 23, 1908, Carson was the son of James Monroe Carson (1872-1934) and Nancy Cecil (1874-1948).
Carson graduated from Oneida High School, and later from Tennessee Polytechnic Institute.
Carson married Alta Gibson (1913-1995) and had two sons: Robert L. “Robby” Carson Jr. and Anthony “Tony” Carson.
Professional Life
After graduating from Tennessee Polytechnic Institute, Carson entered the teaching profession and taught for 43 years at Huntsville High School, Oneida High School, and various other schools, including schools at Low Gap, Sulfur Springs and Annadell.
Carson was also elected to County Court (the present-day County Commission) for two terms, and served as a member of the Scott County Hospital Board of Directors.
Mayor of Oneida
Carson was elected mayor of Oneida in 1973, and was re-elected in 1975 and 1977 before leaving office in 1979. He preceded William N. Proctor and was succeeded by Rodney West.
Carson’s tenure as mayor saw notable growth accomplished in the town of Oneida. The Oneida Municipal Services Building was constructed at the corner of Alberta Street and Municipal Drive, serving as the town’s administrative offices, police department and jail, and fire department. It replaced the old city hall and jail, which had opened in 1941 on N. Main Street, where the Scott County Senior Citizens Center is now located.
It was also during Carson’s tenure that Oneida City Park was established, and that construction began on the railroad overpass on Paint Rock Road, which allowed the highway to bypass the Tibbals wood flooring plant.
The town also expanded into West Oneida during Carson’s tenure, annexing the Green Hills and Skyline Drive subdivisions.
Death
Carson died at University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, Tenn. on Jan. 26, 2009, at the age of 100. A funeral service was held at Jones & Son Funeral Home in Oneida, with his son, Rev. Tony Carson, officiating. He was buried at Cecil Cemetery.