Ernest Lee McCarty Jr.

Ernest Lee McCarty Jr. (March 24, 1935 – June 23, 2019). Mr. McCarty was born in Birmingham, AL to parents Ernest Lee McCarty Sr. and Nettie Irene Shaw McCarty. He had resided in Vestavia Hills since 1967. He was a 1953 graduate of Jones Valley High School, attended Howard College (now Samford University), and had worked in the automobile industry since 1953. He became principal owner of Ernest McCarty Ford, Inc. in 1983, and worked six days a week for over 35 years, until illness forced his retirement in 2018. As a Ford Dealer, he and his employees earned numerous awards for customer satisfaction, and sales and service excellence. He was “the boss” who said “Let ‘em go!” in numerous advertisements for decades. He was a beloved husband, son, father, brother, grandfather, friend, and business owner, and a generous and often anonymous benefactor to many. He was a member of Shades Mountain Baptist Church, a Mason, a Shriner, and former member of the Naval Reserve. Mr. McCarty was predeceased by his parents, a son (David E. McCarty), a sister (Joyce McCarty Kirkley), and a brother (Thomas W. McCarty). Survivors include his wife of 64 years Edna Erle Miller McCarty, son Ernest Lee McCarty III (Karen) of Wilsonville, daughter-in-law Mrs. Tammy McCarty Gibbons (Gerry) of Birmingham, sister Thelma McCarty O’Quinn of Fredericksburg, VA, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and numerous long-time employees, customers, and friends. Those who wish to make a charitable donation in Mr. McCarty’s honor are encouraged to consider the Shriners’ Burn Hospital or the American Cancer Society. Visitation will be Friday, June 28, 2019 from 7pm to 9pm at Shades Mountain Baptist Church. Additional Visitation will be from 10:30am to 11am Saturday, June 29 with funeral services at 11am at the church. Dr. Charles Carter and Reverend Jonathan Payne will conduct the service at Shades Mountain Baptist Church, and Dr. James O’Quinn will conduct a private family burial service at Elmwood Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsridoutselmwoodchapel.com for the McCarty family.