The Shadow
William Elantha “Lance” Carson, Jr.
William Elantha “Lance” Carson, Jr., 65, of Covington, passed away Saturday, July 19, 2025 at the Brian Center-Alleghany in Low Moor following a courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).
He was born October 16, 1959, in Charlottesville, a son of the late William E. “Kitt” Carson, Sr. and Virginia Cave Carson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters-in-law, Peggy Gabbert Redmon and Virginia Smith Hogg.
Lance dedicated his life to serving the Alleghany Highlands community in numerous ways. He began his career as a social worker with Alleghany-Covington Social Services, Adult Protective Services, retiring in 2018 after many years of impactful service. Following retirement, he continued his commitment to public service by earning a seat on the Covington City Council and was elected Mayor in January 2025. A proud 1983 Ferrum College graduate, Lance was an enthusiastic UVa supporter and avid sports fan. In his free time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. He also worked part-time at Advance Auto in Covington and was an active member of Word of Life Ministries.
Survivors include his wife of 29 years, Kathy Lamb Carson, of Covington; his children, Devon Nicely of Covington, Layne (Shana) Carson of Covington, Russie (Drew) Gann of Richmond, and Seth (Brooke) Lamb of Etna, WY; five grandchildren, Anthony Nicely, Kaylee Nicely, Kason Carson, Xander Carson, and Bexley Gann; a brother, Andrew Carson of North Carolina; a second mother, Marlene Cave Bell of Luray; a step-brother, Barney (Tammy) Thomas of Blue Ridge; a step-sister, Anne (Larry) Barker of Warsaw; several cousins who were more like sisters, Vicki (Travis) Andrews of Jacksonville, FL, Meg (James) Campbell, Teresa Cave, Cheryl Cave Fitzgerald, and Monica (Bobby) Jenkins, all of Luray; Nieces, Hannah Carson, Maddy Carson, Kayla Carson, Brooke (June) Hiner, and Catie Lipes; two brothers-in-law, Vernal (Donna) Gabbert of Denton, TX and Ron Hawk of Covington; and special friends, Ken Maynard, Dwayne Seal, Stuart Graham, and Kyle Graham
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Good News Church on Main with the Rev. Stan Sizemore officiating, assisted by Pastor Steve Noel and Pastor Shorty Wolfe. The family will receive their friends from Noon until service time at the church. The family requests those attending dress in support of your favorite sports team.
Following the service and in keeping with his wishes, his body will be cremated.
Active pallbearers will be Stuart Graham, Kyle Graham, Drew Gann, Allen Dressler, Clinton Phillips, Jerry Fury, Anthony Nicely, and Melvin Campbell.
Honorary pallbearers will be Ken Maynard, Dwayne Seal, and Frankie Johnson.
Memorial contributions in Mr. Carson’s name should be made to: Word of Life Ministries, P.O. Box 504, Covington, VA 24426.
Arritt Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
Friends may send condolences to the family at arrittfuneralhome.com
“Wah-hoo-wa!”
