Ray William McCarver, age 88, of Gadsden, Alabama passed peacefully, at 9:40pm on October 25, 2019, surrounded by family. Visitation for Ray will be held Monday, October 28, 2019 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at East Gadsden Baptist Church. A funeral service will be Tuesday, October 29, 2019 at 12:00 PM at East Gadsden Baptist Church, and burial will be at Hughes Moragne Cemetery. John Dickinson and Randy Postell will officiate. Collier Butler Funeral Home will direct services.
Ray was born in Alabama, and he was a loyal, protective brother. He left school to join the Navy, where he was stationed on the U.S.S. Tarawa. He served his country, and would reminisce about enjoying the free Broadway tickets given to servicemen on leave in New York City.
Ray was later employed at Goodyear, and he worked there for 39 years. He was a member of EGBC. He loved people, and always wanted to have people over to eat and enjoy fellowship. Everyone he came across was worthy of his attention, and he made a point of having conversations with friends, acquaintances, and strangers- no matter what. He was quick with compliments, and made every woman he came across feel beautiful. His time was spent making others feel important, and his attention always left you knowing you were cherished. In his home, he always made sure that you’d have a cup of coffee, or he’d be quick to remind his wife Mildred to go fetch you some! Ray wanted to make sure everyone had enough; enough coffee, food, laughter and joy.
There was always one last thing he needed to make a meal perfect. After the table was set, or the plates were dished up, Ray would realize what he really needed was a slice of onion, or the pepper jelly, or a serving of gravy. He had a way of adding the finishing touches to his food. Not only did he want his plate perfect, he’d make sure yours was too. Ray would offer you the food off his plate, and he’d chase you around with dessert until you got a big helping too.
Ray sang as much as he talked. If he couldn’t serenade you with a song from the radio like “Good Night, Irene” or a musical melody like “Hello, Dolly”, he would make up a song especially for you. He’d sing to his granddaughter, his sisters-in-law, his pet dog, Deigo. He loved to sing duets with his wife, their favorites were “You are my Sunshine” and “Goodnight, Irene”. He sang loudly and with great enthusiasm. He’s singing in Heaven now; loudly, with great enthusiasm.
Anyone who met Ray loved him; and he loved people right back. He loved life, right up to the end.
Ray is preceded in death by his parents, Finis and Mary McCarver; son, Phillip McCarver; brothers, James, Howard, and Bobby; and sisters, Virginia, Lois, Annie Belle, Dorothy and Betty.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Mrs. Mildred McCarver; sons: Bill (Penny) McCarver, Brad McCarver; grandchildren: Anna (Matt) Fitzsimmons, Christina (Ockert) Botha, Emily McCarver; great grandchild: Finley Fitzsimmons; sisters in law: Betty McCarver, Nell McCarver; and Numerous Nieces and Nephews that he loved dearly; and Chosen Son, Charlie Martin
Pallbearers will be Sid McCarver, Dell Taylor, Lee Taylor, Brack Alford, Eddie Alford, Joey Thornton, David Thornton, Paul Thornton, Erik Alford, Jason Freeman, Wayne Hammonds, and Dustin Knighten
Honorary Pallbearers are Glen Upton, Landy Manderson, and Mike Able.
Special Thanks: Dr. Sudham, Dr. George Robinson, Dr. Brian Suoddy, Dr. Micheal Bailey, Dr. Richard Diethelm, Sathan Ayer, Dr. Warren Higgins, Dr. Raval Dhaval, and All Hospitalist Doctors that cared for him.
Thank you to all caregivers at Gadsden Regional Medical Center; the ER staff, nurses, techs, and the cleaning staff. The family appreciates ALL staff at GRMC.
Flowers will be accepted. If you would like, you may make a donation to the Gideon International Charity, or East Gadsden Baptist Church to honor Ray.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.collier-butler.com for the McCarver family.
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