Former Auburn University Trustee Dwight Carlisle dies

Published: January 10, 2018

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Former Auburn University Trustee Dwight Carlisle passed away Jan. 6 at the age of 82. After graduating with a degree in textile engineering from Auburn in 1958, Carlisle worked his way up through the management ranks at Russell Corporation. He joined the company’s board of directors in 1975, was named president and chief operating officer in 1982 and became president and chief executive officer in 1988. In 1991, Carlisle retired from Russell Corporation. In 2003, he was appointed to the post of State Revenue Commissioner for the State of Alabama.

Carlisle endowed a scholarship at Auburn University in the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering. In 1989, he was recognized as a distinguished Auburn Engineer, and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science Degree in 1995. In 2004, he was appointed to the Auburn University Board of Trustees.

In 2010, Carlisle suffered a debilitating stroke that left him without the ability to speak or walk. With hard work through physical and speech therapies, he found an improved quality of life. Carlisle later launched the Carlisle Enrichment Foundation, whose mission is to extend rehabilitation, fitness and exercise programs for people recovering in their homes from stroke, Parkinson’s or other medical conditions.

He is survived by his wife, Helen Baggett Carlisle; brother, Hoyt Carlisle (Alyce); children Danice Wilbanks Carlisle, Sarah Rebecca Carlisle (Nancy Collins), Meredith Carlisle McMillan (George), Jennifer Baggett Barna (James), and William Carter Baggett, III (Barbara); and grandchildren, Helen Veronica Barna, James Nicholas Barna, and Stella Kathryn Baggett.

Funeral services are set for Friday, Jan. 12, at 1 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 310 Green St., Alexander City. Burial will follow at 3:30 p.m. in the Town Creek Cemetery, 1150 S. Gay St., Auburn. The family will receive friends on Friday, Jan. 12, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, Alexander City.

Memorials may be made to the Carlisle Enrichment Foundation, 510 E. Samford Ave., Auburn, or the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, 901 S. College St., Auburn.

Auburn University is a nationally ranked land grant institution recognized for its commitment to world-class scholarship, interdisciplinary research with an elite, top-tier Carnegie R1 classification, life-changing outreach with Carnegie’s Community Engagement designation and an undergraduate education experience second to none. Auburn is home to more than 30,000 students, and its faculty and research partners collaborate to develop and deliver meaningful scholarship, science and technology-based advancements that meet pressing regional, national and global needs. Auburn’s commitment to active student engagement, professional success and public/private partnership drives a growing reputation for outreach and extension that delivers broad economic, health and societal impact.