Leslie Ray “Goose” Carver, 86, passed away February 3, 2025 at AdventHealth Central Florida surrounded by loved ones. Born January 3, 1939, Goose was a lifelong resident of Haines City, Florida. He grew up in the area of 21st Street and was a standout student athlete at Haines City High School, where he excelled in mathematics, ran track, played football and his favorite, basketball. When the Florida Department of Transportation (DOT) was recruiting engineering job candidates in 1956, the year Goose graduated high school, his teachers knew who to recommend. Goose spent 35 years with the DOT, retiring June 30, 1991. 

Goose was very down-to-earth and never met a stranger, a real people person who made friends easily and would lend a hand anytime. He was also known for his sense of humor, always telling jokes and doing funny things. Goose had a wide range of hobbies and interests, from building and racing dune buggies, to raising cattle, playing golf, watching NASCAR, basketball, baseball and football. He especially liked No. 9 driver Bill Elliott, the Rays and Florida Gators, though the great Secretariat was his most admired athlete. Goose also grew the most beautiful camelias. He was a crossword puzzle master and could recite the value of ‘pi’ well into his 80s. 

Goose is survived by his daughter Leslie Carver Martin and son-in-law of 33 years Mark Martin of Brandon, FL; grandson Tyler Martin and wife Erin of Middletown, PA; sister Carol Faye Register and brother-in-law Carl Register of Lake Panasoffkee, FL; nieces Pamela Judy, Vicki Register Godbey, Leigh Anne Carver Rogers; nephews Frank Judy, Keith Register, Franklin Brooks Carver. Goose also leaves behind former wives Nell Judy Johnson and Sherry Sikes Carver, and his like-daughter-Mason-girls, Janice and Denise. His little red dog and shadow, Ruby, will also miss him.

Goose was preceded in death by his parents, John Alvin Carver and Vera Mae Andrews Carver; three siblings, brothers Gary Franklin (Frank) Carver of Kingsport, TN, Alton Lavone Carver of Holly Hill, FL; sister Margaret Freeman of Edgewater, FL; and nephew Michael Register.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 10:00 am, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am, at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Haines City, with his final resting place at Forest Hill Cemetery. A reception will follow the graveside service at NorthRidge Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) or charity of your choice.