Carl Jerome Axson, also known as "Smokey," was born on November 26, 1955 in Jacksonville, Florida to Willis and Queenie Axson. He received his education in the Duval County Public School System. After school he served several years in the United States Army, leaving with an honorable discharge. He was employed by the Duval County School Board for 19 years and also employed by the International Longshoremen Association for 30 years until his health failed.

Carl accepted the Lord as his personal Savior at Grace Baptist Church as a child.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Queenie Axson and two sisters, Joyce Axson and Ramonia Simmons.

Carl departed this life on Saturday, September 12, 2009. The legacy of love and memories, he leaves to his family and friends are cherished by his father, Willis Axson; sisters, Mattie Williams of Greensboro, North Carolina, Vergie Brown (William) of Green Pond, South Carolina, Emma Sims (Andrew) and Inez Axson of Jacksonville, Florida; stepsister, Clara Nelson; one brother, Willie Lee Axson of Jacksonville, Florida; a devoted aunt, Stella Axson; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.