Timothy Bryan Cartrett, 56, of Spout Springs, Virginia, was tragically taken from us in a motorcycle accident on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. He was born on October 2, 1968, in Lynchburg, Virginia, to the late Chester Cartrett and Belinda Jean Nickerson.
Tim is survived by his long-term fiancée and love of his life, Carol Phillips; his children, Brianna Gail Foster, Jennifer Marie Foster (Matt), Jesika Nicole Hunter (Will), Courtney Emerson (Brandon), Billy Thompson, Jamie Thompson, Stacey Tidwell (Anthony), and Casey Phillips; and many cherished grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, William Channing Cartrett, Melissa, and Angie. He was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph Cartrett.
Beyond family, Tim shared a lifelong bond with his best friend, William Hale, who was more like a brother than a friend. Their closeness was a constant in Tim’s life, and William’s love and support meant the world to him. Tim is also remembered by countless others whose lives he touched.
Tim’s greatest passion was rescuing and caring for wolf dogs. He founded and ran the Great Spirits Wolfdog Sanctuary in Spout Springs, dedicating his life to protecting and giving a home to these animals. He was also known for his love of motorcycles and Jeeps, and for many years, he was recognized throughout the Lynchburg community as the owner of Outlanders.
Tim will be remembered as a kind and generous soul—a man who would give the shirt off his back and who never met a stranger. His legacy is one of compassion, adventure, and deep love for both people and animals. He will be profoundly missed and forever loved by all who knew him.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025. More details will be shared with family and friends in the coming days.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Tim’s honor to the Great Spirits Wolfdog Sanctuary, so his passion and dream of helping wolf dogs may continue.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.