Manton "Pete" Carraway, 86, reported to his true Commander and Chief, his Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ on Monday, July 13, 2026. He was born on August 11, 1939 in Timmonsville, South Carolina. Pete was in the 1957 graduating class at Timmonsville High School. He served one year in the Army National Guard and Army Reserves prior to enlisting in the United States Air Force where he proudly served his country for 23 1/2 years and retired as a Master Sergeant. He was stationed in Alaska, South Carolina, the Phillipines, Vietnam, Thailand, Texas and in Arizona where he retired.
His awards include: Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Military Education Ribbon with One Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with One Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Longevity Service Award with 4 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf clusters, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/Palm, Vietnam Medal Campaign, Air Force Commendation Medal with 3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, and Meritorious Service Medals. Unit awards Outstanding Airman of the Quarter, Outstanding Non Commission Officer of the Quarter, and Outstanding Senior Non Commissioned Officer of the year.
After retiring from the Air Force with his first wife Donna and family, he began his second career for the Tempe, Arizona Police Department where he worked for 19 1/2 years and retired as Detention Supervisor. Then he and Donna relocated to Anacoco, La where Donna passed in 2003.
In 2005 he married his 2nd wife Carolyn and became a resident of DeQuincy, Louisiana, Pete served with his wife in the First Baptist Church, where they founded the Golden Heirs seniors’ group. Upon moving to Lake Charles, he became a member of Trinity Baptist Church. Pete was a member of VFW Post 3231, Vietnam Veterans of America, American Legion Post 401, and the Disabled American Veterans.
Pete was a beloved brother, father, uncle, grandfather, great grandfather, great great grandfather, friend and neighbor. His kindness and gentleness were far reaching and he embraced family and strangers alike. His spirit of excellence was revealed in the wide range of things he put his mind to do.
He is survived by his son, Dennis Carraway and wife Stephanie of Maricopa, Arizona; three daughters, Natalie Gouldin and husband Will of Lake Charles, Melody Shaw and husband Steve of Mesa, Arizona, Donnis Wilson and husband Richard of Jasper, TX; his daughter-in-law, Kyra Cooley of Virginia, one brother, Levon Carraway of Sumter, South Carolina; two sisters, Gail Turnmeyer of Sumter, South Carolina and Amanda Boykin (Ervin) of Ridgeway, South Carolina; grandchildren, Garrett Cooley (Robin), Micah Cooley, Chad Cooley, Tracy Lujan (Tony), Mandy Palomino, Tiffany Cota (Brisco), Nathaniel "Nate" Gouldin, Manny Shaw (Lillian), Stewart Shaw, Megan Shaw (Chris), Paden Clayton (Lisa); numerous great and great-great grandchildren, with one great-great grandbaby on the way; and a host of nieces and nephews; along with his beloved dog, Shadow.
Pete is preceded in death by his first wife, Donna Carraway and his last wife, Carolyn Carraway; mother, Evelyn Blackwell and his father, Manton White Carraway; his stepfather, Herbert Blackwell; one son, James Joseph "J.J." Cooley; his sister, Doris Davis; along with grandson, Lyle Clayton.
A Celebration of Pete's life will be held at First Baptist Church in DeQuincy on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 2:00 pm, with Bro. Gil Arthur and Bro. David Earnest officiating. Visitation will be at the church on Friday, from 11:30 am until the time of the service. Burial will be at Holly Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery in Anacoco, Louisiana.
Pallbearers are: Steve Shaw, Garrett Cooley, Chad Cooley, Will Gouldin, Nate Gouldin, and Paden Clayton.
Honorary Pallbearers are: Dennis Carraway and Micah Cooley.
The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to his caregivers who they all consider a part of their family. They are: Flo Young, Tina Brady, Wanda Owens, and a very special thanks to Eddie and Rachel Windham and their grandbaby Raven who have been the greatest neighbors anyone could ask for. Also, a special thanks to the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Home and their entire staff for their heartfelt care for Pete during his time there.
Services entrusted to Jordan and Amanda Mothershed of Hixson-Snider Funeral Home.
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonsnider.com.
