Susan Carson
I would like to express my deepest appreciation to all the kind folks have who left such heartfelt words and memories about Bill. Most of you are old friends; some of you I only met once or twice, and some I don’t know but wish I did. It has been so good to hear from all of you. I am grateful to all of you who respect and appreciate Bill’s contributions to Fender and to the design of the Stratocaster.
I have enjoyed reliving some of the memories you have recalled, with tears of joy and healthy, uplifting laughter. For those of you who worked with him or knew him well, you know what a great appreciation he had for life and all it holds—family, friends, faith, wildlife, the welfare of children, music, and the wonder of God’s work through planting things and watching them grow. He always wanted people to see the deeper things in life and what really was important.
I know of no other person who was more honest and had more personal integrity. His honesty and forthrightness sometimes got him in trouble, but in the end, he was always respected. You always knew where you stood with Bill, and everybody liked that about him. He gave me 35 years of training about life, how to work my job, and how to treat people. Bill always told me that it is more important to be respected than liked. He said if you have both, then you are very lucky, but if you can only have one, then go for the respect.
I am very grateful to my Fender family for the outpouring of love and support they have shown me, and for putting together this incredible tribute to Bill. I send my love and gratitude to all of you.
Susan Carson
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Paula Halfacre
I met Bill Carson and his wife, Susan, at MOM's Music in Louisville, Ky. It was my birthday, and Bill was so kind to autograph his book for me. On one of my travels to Nashville, I was invited to stay in their home. I will never forget their hospitality and genuine kindness. To be such an icon—he was such a regular guy. Thanks Bill and Susan!
Still love my Fenders!
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Bill Middleton
I met Bill in Nashville in the late '80s. I was working in a prominent music shop there, and he and I hit it off from the start. He was responsible for me being a Fender tech.
He liked my work so much that he had Fender send me every instrument that was to be issued to all artists on an endorsement plan to be set up by me. We had a great relationship professionally and personally. I will miss him greatly. His wife Susan and I continued the relationship for many years after he couldn't do the road anymore.
I have since moved back to my home in Texas and would love to hear from her if possible. I will always have a special place in my heart for them both. Thanks to Fender for introducing such a great man to our industry, as well to this world. Bill, you are greatly missed, and I look forward to seeing you again someday on the other side.
See you later,
Bill Middleton
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David R. Daniel
Bill Carson was a real gentleman and great guitar player. We met in the mid-'70s at a NAMM show, and our friendship spanned almost 30 years. His humor and knowledge about Fender guitars were unparalled.
Just after his ear operation, he and I discussed the "Relic" line of Stratocaster® guitars. I told him that I preferred to put my own dings on my guitars, to which he replied with a wink, "But we just can't keep up with the orders for these." We'll miss him.
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Pete Bradt
I was at the 1999 summer NAMM show in Nashville, and there in the Fender room were Lee Roy Parnell, Bill Carson and James Pennebaker (on fiddle) playing western swing. I was standing with James' wife, Debi, with tears in my eyes watching these absolute greats playing "Roly Poly." It was a moment I'll never forget.
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Bob Letourneux
I never had the honor of knowing Mr. Carson. I first laid eyes on him in the 2004 Fender Frontline catalog; he had the look of a man who was incredibly proud to be playing a Stratocaster®.
I'm proud to say that, like the Strat, I was born in 1954. I'm a Strat player at heart, and I'll always be a Strat man, just like Mr. Carson was. Rest in peace, Bill. There's another Strat man in heaven, along with Jimi and Buddy.
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