George McCarthy, Sr.

Try Jesus

In loving memory and celebration of life of Deacon George McCarthy, Sr.  82 years of life expired on April 10, 2022 at 2:34 a.m. at the Medical Center Barbour. George was born on June 24, 1939 in Clay County, GA to the late Fulton and Lula Bell Cook McCarthy. This Union produced 10 Children. 

He joined the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church at an early age. He found the love of his life and got married to Mary Ethel Smith.  George and Mary got married on August 5, 1961. They were married for 60 years and 8 months.  From this union of this marriage were 5 children.

George worked in his church faithfully. He was ordained as a deacon in 1970. He later became the Chairman of the Deacon Board and continued that charge until his death. His favorite song was Try Jesus. For several years, he served as the Sunday School Superintendent.

He was a hardworking man who loved his family and was a good provider to the love of his life Mae and his family.  He was a dedicated Master Mason for over 40 years.  He left a legacy of business ventures from his logging/pulpwood business and his farm business. He worked at American Builders for several years. He was also a School bus driver and worked at Mead Coated Board as Shipping Supervisor for 21 years. He retired in 2002 from full time employment.

He wore many hats. He served many years as a School Board Member for Quitman County School System, serving in this capacity when the New Quitman County Elementary School was built and his name appearing on the building corner stone. He was also a commissioner in Quitman County where he oversaw daily operations and facilitated road and public safety improvements.

After retirement, he started a lawn care business, maintaining lawns and fields for several people to include Mr. Lowell and Robin Dollar for 13 years. He also managed his fields/vegetable gardens and cemetery upkeep for several churches. He was also the caretaker for Betty Alfonzo. He took pride in his work.

George was preceded in death by a son, Albert McCarthy, and six of his siblings preceded him in death, Fulton McCarthy of Newark NJ, Cora (A.B.) McCarthy Bouyer of Brooklyn, NY, Nellie B. McCarthy Granger of East Orange NJ, Mary Canella McCarthy (John) Fleming of Palm Beach FL, Charlie McCarthy and John McCarthy.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary McCarthy of Georgetown, GA; four children, George McCarthy Jr. of Georgetown, GA, Rodney L. (Jackie) McCarthy and Don (Sheryl) McCarthy, all of Columbus, GA and Tracey A McCarthy (Tae Henderson) of Miami, FL; three sisters, Earleen Barnes of Newark, NJ, Maudie McCarthy Greene of Eufaula, AL and Anne McCarthy Byrd of Palm Beach, FL; three other children he raised/adopted, James Granger Columbus, GA , Jeanelle Smith Anderson and Latravious Smith, both of Macon, GA;  a special daughter, Annette (Jimmy) Patmon and Wateria Hall of Columbus, GA; two grandsons, La Darius McCarthy, Tyrone (Joy) Webb and Jemetrius Richaardson; four granddaughters, Jasmine McCarthy, Jamila McCarthy, Laika Slater and Chelisa McCarthy; four great granddaughters; a stand by cousin, Julia McMiller; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and sorrowful friends.

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