Mr. Francis Raymond "Ray" McCarty, Jr., 84, of Suwanee, GA, rejoined his beloved bride Joyce on August 24, 2012.
Besides his wife, Joyce Ann Austin McCarty, preceding Ray in death were his daughter Kim Mary Hiers and her son, Austin Alan Hiers; his brothers George, Jack, and Jim; and his son-in-law Keith Ridlehoover.
Surviving now with his ever-lasting love and memories are his children: Francis Raymond "Frank" McCarty, III, and his wife, Patricia; Catherine Cecilia McCarty and her dear friend, Vicki Stacy; Anne Joyce Middleton, her husband, Philip, and their two daughters, Jessica and Catherine; Mary Ellen McCarty and her children, Thomas and Jennifer; Kathleen McCarty Ridlehoover; Mary Elizabeth McCarty and her sons, Michael and Skylar; and Jennifer George McCarty. Ray also left behind 4 great-grandchildren, 16 nieces and nephews, three sisters-in-law, Peggy, Claudia, and Irene, and a brother-in-law, Dr. Charles Austin.
Ray was born on Feb. 28, 1928, in Ohio. He was raised during the height of the Great Depression. At age 18, he began working for his father as a plumber's apprentice making $3 a week. He went to night school for 5 years and acquired his Master Plumber's License, thus enabling him to provide for his ever-growing family.
After raising their children through the tubulent 60's, Ray lost his wife at age 46. He retired from the plumbing trade at age 65, and then became involved with "Amigos for Christ," an organization started by two young women from Collins Hill High School. He traveled to Nicaragua and Jamaica, building homes and teaching woodworking at schools for the poor. When his health declined to the point where he could no longer travel, Ray became a wonderful woodworker, making large cathedral clocks and other beautiful items which were sold to raise money for the "Amigos." He also made thousands of small wooden crosses which people were given as reminders of the Lord Jesus that he so loved. Ray was also a painter, and many of his works were also sold to raise money for the Amigos.
This man was one in a million. He was compassionate, loved ALL people, gave as much of himself as he could to help others, and left behind a beautiful example of how life should be lived for his children to follow. He will be missed beyond words.
Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Catholic Church of St. Monica, 1700 Buford Highway, Duluth, GA 30097 with Father Jack Durkin serving as Celebrant. Interment will follow at Broadlawn Memorial Gardens in Buford, GA. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday evening from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 8:30 p.m.
To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA, 770-932-1133.
