KNIGHTS OF PETER CLAVER

Herbert David Carrington, Sr. (1898 - 2006)

 

Herbert David Carrington’s life was one of many wonderful accomplishments. His life crossed through three very different centuries, at times struggling through the obstacles society placed on the shoulders of this young black man.   Through all of his experiences with others, Herbert was a distinguished gentleman in the Tampa Bay community and personally touched the hearts and lives of hundreds of people.

 

He was born on October 17, 1898 of the late Henry and Sally Straughter Carrington. Although orphaned as a young boy, he was raised by his grandparents on a farm in Beachton, Georgia and was the oldest of six siblings. In 1921 at the age of twenty-three he found his way to Tampa, Florida where he resided for the next 84 years.  In the early 1920’s Herbert went to work with George Gandy building a toll bridge, which would eventually connect the two cities of Tampa and Saint Petersburg. Later he became a chauffer - butler for the Duprees, a very prominent family located in Tampa.

 

In 1946 he gained employment with the Tampa Bay Yacht Club, and went on to become a headwaiter and later the Maitre` d of this fine establishment. Herbert can be most remembered seen in his tuxedo with white gloves and tails. Herbert had an excellent memory and always greeted multiple generations of Yacht Club members by name.

 

Herbert Carrington was the proud father of four children: Herbert Jr., Roland, Marion and Martha; grandfather of nine children and great grandfather to nineteen children. Herbert was an active member of St. Peter Claver Catholic Church where his children were also baptized and raised in the Catholic faith.

 

His family was the cornerstone of his life. However, he went beyond the limits of his family. This self-driven individual had been and still is an inspiration to many, offering positive advice, financial aid and educational assistance to countless others. Indeed, his contributions made Tampa a better place in which to live. After many years of diligent work, Herbert not only purchased a home for himself, but also purchased land and provided housing for other African American families.

 

At the age of 95 Herbert made medical history as the oldest living heart valve recipient. This little set back did not slow Herbert down; he was still fully capable of living at home on his own. Up until his late years of his life you could see him tending to his garden. Herbert loved to admire his snapdragon flowers blooming on the porch! It was at the young age of 105 that he had one of his life’s biggest upsets --his driver’s license taken away from him! However, there was always a friend nearby to help him get around.

 

Herbert was an avid sports fan and if there were a baseball game on television, it would be a safe bet that Herbert would be right there watching every breath-taking moment of the game while snacking on sunflower seeds!

 

Over the years he has received numerous rewards and recognitions including; the Timex Still Ticking Award, Citizen of the Year Award, Model for Aging Award by the Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay and named Father of the Year for 2006 by the 100 Black Men of Tampa organization.

 

As the oldest parishioner of St Peter Claver Catholic Church he served as the patriarch and role model for all of its members. He also was an active member of the Knights of Peter Claver, where a Scholarship has been named in his honor. He will be cherished and remembered by the many that love him.