Various articles related to his passing only reaffirmed my belief about him: That he was a man of quality character, integrity and morals.

 

The U.S. textile industry certainly owes a lot to Carstarphen. He was one of the leaders who helped the teetering industry survive and remain viable over the last half century. And he did so with style, grace and humility – which says a lot, especially as it relates to the business world over the last few decades.

 

In nearly 60 years in the industry, Carstarphen made an indelible mark – and Pharr Yarns and his community, are all the better for it. He joined the company in 1956 and became CEO in 1981, taking the reigns at the death of his father-in-law, William J. Pharr. And he guided it through challenging periods, helping the company reinvent itself to remain competitive as raw material suppliers began falling by the wayside. The company shifted its focus from natural to synthetic fibers and today is a leader in its field.

 

He was also a beacon in Gaston County, always putting in the time and financial resources to improve his community. In 2010, he and his family donated 95 acres in the county to be used as part of the “green interstate system” of nature trails in the Carolinas. That was only a small part of his philanthropic efforts, which were innumerable – and many were behind the scenes and left private, as he wanted it.

 

He certainly had a way of brightening people’s lives – literally. For many years, he nurtured and supported McAdenville’s awe-inspiring annual Christmas lights display through the mill village – known as Christmastown USA – which was near his home. During the holiday season, many thousands pass through the spectacularly lit town, creating long logjams along I-85.

 

And Bip Carstarphen’s legacy shines just as bright.