Carl was born March 20, 1938, in Marion, South Carolina, the son of James and Arletha Conner.

At an early age he joined Wise Chapel A.M.E. Church, the church of his ancestors.

Carl had a second set of parents whom he loved dearly. He was raised by his Aunt Hallie and Uncle Willie Gerald who considered him their "son".

Carl was educated in the Marion County public school system. He enjoyed sports, playing his guitar, and all of the things that other teenagers of his time enjoyed. He and his buddy, "Bull" Faulk, integrated places in Marion long before integration laws were passed.

Having had enough of farm work, Carl moved to New York and was employed with his brother Gene at Crown Publishing Company. He retired from Crown when his health began to fail.

Carl was united in marriage to Cassandra Evans, however this marriage was later dissolved. In 1998 he moved to Raleigh, North Carolina with his sister Mildred and her husband Charles.

Carl with his sister Mildred

Carl was a beacon of joy, love, and happiness to all his brothers and sisters. He made friends easily and was always ready to help anyone in need. He enjoyed traveling and new adventures but his love of family would bring him home as often as possible.

Carl died July 18, 2000 and is buried at Greenlawn Cemetery in Marion.