Capt. Carl Wilson Foster, Sr., 82, of Belhaven, North Carolina died Sunday, May 10, 2026, at the residence of his daughter in Brunswick, GA. He was the son of the late Major Wilson Foster and Mamie Allena Wilkins Foster.

Carl married Betty Jean Asby December 28, 1963.

He began working for Express Marine as a tugboat captain at the age of 16 and continued in that career until his retirement in 2003. After retiring, he became a commercial fisherman alongside his sons. His love for the water was undeniable as he spent the majority of his time on a boat. He owned and operated many shrimp and crab boats over the years, as commercial fishing was always his passion.

Outside of his love for the water, Carl had an incredible knowledge of his and many others family history. Especially the history surrounding his hometown of Pamlico Beach. He loved to sit with his friends and family and tell them all about their family tree.

He loved his family more than anything and always wanted to see them doing well. He was a great provider and selfless hand to anyone in need. He created a family of 3 children, 11 grandchildren and an abundance of great/great-great grandchildren that he greatly enjoyed.

Surviving are his children Betty Foster Lott (Peabody) and William Major Foster; sisters Myra Faye Sullivan and Miriam Guthrie; grandchildren Carl Willie Lott (Hannah), Jesse Lott (Becky), Stephen Foster, Jeremy Lott, Carla McArthur (Rick), Rebecca NeeSmith (Kolby), Wilson Foster (Beth), Betty "Rae-Ann" Foster and Cameron Merritt; numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and other family and friends.

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his wife Betty Jean Asby Foster; a son Carl Wilson Foster, Jr. (Emily); brothers Bobby, Ottis and Willie Foster; sister Peggy Fulford; daughter-in-law Vicky Foster; granddaughter Heather Freelove Sawyer (Toby); grandson William Major Foster, Jr.; great-grandson Declan Merritt; and his faithful four legged companion, Snoopy.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Thursday, May 14, 2026 at Joseph B. Paul, Jr. Funeral Service, 4500 US 264, Washington, NC 27889. A celebration of Carl's life will be held at 2:00 pm, Friday, May 15, 2026 at Joseph B. Paul, Jr. Funeral Service Chapel, 4500 US 264, Washington, NC 27889 with Pastor Dean Fulford, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Ryder Hill Cemetery, Pamlico Beach.

Pallbearers will be Wilson Foster, Carl Willie Lott, Elijah Lott, Jeremy Lott, Jesse Lott, Carson Lott, Bentley Sawyer and Cameron Merritt. Honorary pallbearers will be Landon McArthur, Luke McArthur, Lane McArthur, Jacob Sawyer, Carter Major, Caige Lott, Trey Lott, Raymond Walker, Cody Foster and Stephen Foster.