Anthony Carey Proctor

The Memorial service will be at 10am on November 19, 2022 at Shannon Rufe Snow Funeral Chapel with Pastor Willard McKiver of St. Andrew Lutheran Church officiating. For those unable to attend in person, a live stream will be available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPWkY9rs3fs. A reception organized by Carey’s friends will take place immediately following the service from 12-2pm at the Grand Hall of the Grapevine Convention and Visitors Bureau Headquarters (636 South Main Street, Grapevine, Texas 76051). If you wish to send flowers, please refrain from sending any lilies per the family’s request.

Carey was born in Anniston, Alabama to Harold and Grace Proctor on September 11, 1955. He is the oldest of eight children. Carey attended various schools as his family moved from Alabama, to Colorado, to Illinois. He enjoyed wrestling, track, Boy Scouts, and reading as a young man.

He graduated in 1974 from Brookfield Central High School in Brookfield, Wisconsin, and later earned a Bachelor’s of Electrical Engineering from University of Wisconsin in Madison in 1978. He made his career as an engineer, working for companies like Atari, Dolby Digital, and most recently Variosystems for over 15 years. He specialized in product manufacturing and test engineering, earning consistently high performance reviews and traveling across the US and parts of Asia to train clients.

It was at UW Madison that he met Emily. Though they moved away from each other after college, Carey knew they were meant to be. He married Emily Anderson on June 29, 1985 in Daly City, California. They enjoyed spontaneous road trips and traveling throughout their marriage, taking in the art and history of the world. In 1987, Carey and Emily became the guardians of Randy, Berwyn, and Nick. They had two more children: Sophie (1994) and Asa (1998). In 1999, Carey and his family moved from California to Bedford, Texas, to be closer to his parents and siblings. Once settled, he dedicated his life to service. He and Emily became involved in the PTA while Sophie and Asa were in elementary school, and they volunteered for almost every field trip and school fundraiser. Carey also coached Asa’s soccer teams, volunteered with Asa’s Boy Scouts troop, and was Head Destination Imagination Coach for both his children for over 10 years, guiding several teams to state competitions. During Sophie and Asa’s time in high school, Carey drove trucks for the L.D. Bell Blue Raider Band, and he continued to do so for the remainder of his time here with us. Additionally, he was the first to volunteer a helping hand for home improvement projects at the houses of his siblings and parents. He always found time to support those he loved.

Serving his community was of great importance to Carey. He and his family sponsored three exchange students, opened their home to many friends of Sophie and Asa, and volunteered with the Special Olympics, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Hurst, L.D. Bell Band for over 10 years, and the City of Grapevine during GrapeFest and Main Street Days for over 15 years. These volunteer opportunities quickly turned into traditions that built strong friendships with many people. Carey was known for his work ethic, kindness, openness, humor, and willingness to support his friends in every way he could. Many friends mentioned that Carey would be the first to volunteer to help, work until he was told to take a break...and then he would work a little more.

Carey was the very first person to be awarded the Most Valuable Volunteer award in Grapevine for his work ethic and hours put into the festival. He was most recently awarded the 2022 Main Street Fest Volunteer of the Year. About 10 years ago, Carey became part of the Main Street Days and GrapeFest Steering Committee. In addition, he is a founding member of the Craft Brew Guild of Grapevine. Carey loved craft beer and supporting small businesses! He was frequently seen with his friends helping at brewery events and trying new beers.

Carey was met by his father, Harold; brothers-in-law: Ron, Wayne and Bruce; and nieces, Amber and Jennifer, as he took the next step on his journey.

He lives on through his family: wife Emily; sons Asa, Randy and wife Michele, Nick, and Berwyn and wife Jordan; daughter Sophie and husband Max; brothers Paul and wife Kris, Mark, Scott and wife Janis; sisters Marilyn, Jeanine, Denise and husband Mike, and Wendy and husband Kevin; mother Grace; and over 30 nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

Carey’s family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Megan and Nicole of Shannon Rufe Snow Funeral Chapel, and Destiny and Stephanie of Holy Savior Hospice for their kindness, compassion, and intentional care of Carey and his family.

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