James "Renn" Carson

On November 11, as the “Autumn Leaves” began to glow, the heavens opened to receive James Renner “Renn” Carson.  While we were not prepared for his departure, his memory  is the melody that will continue to resonate in our hearts.

Renn is survived by his wife Connie, of almost 50 years, his children Christopher (Kasie) Carson, of Fox Lake, Wisconsin and Nikki (Jim) Anders, of Navasota, and grandchildren, Ryan Carson, and Ava and Jace Anders.  He was so proud of each and everyone of them!

Renn was born on April 20, 1953 in Bryan, Texas to Edward Carson and Barbara Renner Lyles, who preceded him in death. He was the oldest child and brother to Nancy Carson of Bryan, and Henry “Hank” (Erika) Lyles  who survive him.

As a child, Renn grew up in Bryan, Dallas and Hurst, Texas.  He graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1971 and attended Blinn College.

On May 25, 1974,  he married his high school  sweetheart and best friend, Connie Pittman Carson.  He soon became a beloved member of the Bill and Cynthia Pittman family, with sisters/brother in laws:  Diane Pittman, Karla (Angel) Cacho-Negrete and Billy Pittman(Sherry)  as his extended family.

Renn had many special nieces and nephews along with their beautiful children.

He worked at  Twin City Furniture early on and  Agency Management Services in College Station until retirement.

Renn was a loving, devoted husband, an amazing father, a great friend and musician.  He has played lead guitar with blues, jazz, country, soul and top-40 bands including the Blue Gravel Rock Band, The Rock a Fellas,  The Blue Note All-Stars, The Full House Blues Band, Mustang Ridge, The King Bees and Eugene Eugene.  He has also been a sideman for musicians including Donald Ray Johnson, Nat Dove, Mickey Gilley and Damu Alii and many other local musicians who were dear friends.  Playing with Ruthie Foster, and being a part of her family of musicians was forever his greatest source of pride, joy and inspiration.

Renn’s love for music and talent was likely in his genes; his great grandfather was a piano tuner, and his parents both studied voice at Sam Houston State University.  He played by ear and was self-taught.  Although he didn’t provide traditional music lessons, he was a generous mentor, always eager to share his knowledge and nurture the next generation of musicians.  He was a source of inspiration for many budding artists, and enjoyed bringing them into the musical community.

Renn was also generous with a punch-line.  He had a sharp wit and often sarcastic sense of humor.  However, his humility, kindness, and devotion are examples for us all. Renn enjoyed traveling adventures with Connie, cooking, gardening and spending time with his friends and the family he loved.

Renn’s life with Connie was a beautiful harmony.  In his final performance, he ensured the safety of his beloved wife, a lasting legacy before he gained his “Silver Wings.”

Renn was also  preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Vera and Allen Carson; Viola and Barney Renner and stepfather, Henry Lyles.

The funeral service will take place on Tuesday, November 21 at 2:00 pm at St. Andrew’s Episcopal in Bryan, Texas.

Memorials may be made in Renn’s memory to:

*KING- Partnerships for Children, a music mentorship for children;

*St. Andrews Church Music Dept.