Mr. Carlton Dudley Trainum, age 87, of West Jefferson, passed away Saturday, February 15, 2014 at Ashe Memorial Hospital. Mr. Trainum was born in Washington D.C. on May 27, 1926 to the late Clarence and Beatrice Garton Trainum. The son of a career army man, Carlton grew up a patriot and served in the Navy during WWII in the Pacific Theater. He went on after the war to graduate from Randolph-Macon College with a Bachelors of Arts in History. He then embarked on a long career with E.I. Dupont Corporation in many different managerial positions. His career began in Richmond, VA and took him and his family to Camden, SC; Waynesboro, VA; Wilmington, DE; and finally to Wimington, NC. Carlton has always been civic-minded believing strongly that an individual should serve his community in every way possible. He became involved with area youth in every place he lived as a little league football coach for many years and then later with Junior Achievers. He was also a member of both the Toastmasters and the JCs. After retirement, he took this experience and served as a substitute teacher for many years in both Wilmington and West Jefferson. Carlton was an avid gardener beginning in his mid-twenties achieving Master Gardener status while living in Wilmington, NC. His love of gardening continued throughout his life. Carlton was also an active member in the Methodist Church in Wilmington, DE; Wilmington, NC; and most recently as a member of Bethany United Methodist Church in West Jefferson. In his 40s, Carlton began pursuing his passion for art. He went on to become an accomplished and award-winning artist. He served as president of the Art Association in Wilmington, NC. Upon moving to Ashe County in 1995, he joined both the Ashe County Arts Council and the Blue Ridge Art Clan serving in several different capacities in both organizations. Carlton has won numerous awards across the state for his excellence in art. Carlton was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years Miriam Clark Trainum. Carlton was held in high regard and affection by all that knew him and will be greatly missed by friends and family. He is survived by two daughters, Karon Paul of Wilmington and Carla Trainum of Rutherfordton; two grandchildren, Aaron David Paul of Charlotte and Amanda Paul Holliday and husband Cade of Wilmington; and two great-grandchildren Tala Miriam Holliday of Wimington and Aaron Joseph Gabriel Paul of Charlotte. A memorial service to celebrate Carlton's life will be held on Friday, March 7 at 4:00 pm at Bethany United Methodist Church. In memory of Carlton's commitment and passion for art, memorials may be made to the Ashe County Arts Council 303 School Avenue, West Jefferson, NC, 28694