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Joe Carnley Obituary
Joe was born Feb. 26, 1944, in Paxton, Fla., to Charlie and Mae Elizabeth Carnley. He was a graduate of Paxton High School, where he was a member of the state championship basketball team. From there he attended Western Carolina University on a basketball scholarship and later graduated from Louisville School of Dentistry in Kentucky.
Joe was the first to establish a dental practice in Destin, Fla. His love for dentistry and the people of Destin have kept him here for over 35 years. Throughout his career, he travelled the country teaching at different universities and dental institutes. Along the way he discovered a love for connecting with people, which eventually led him to become a Dale Carnegie franchise owner and instructor. Next to his family and dentistry, flying was one of the greatest joys and passions of his life. He flew amongst his closest friends in his World War II Navy warplane, a T-6, attending fly-ins and entertaining locals with their formation flying over the Destin Pass. Dr. Carnley's latest achievement was becoming the 53rd Wing Honorary Commander at Eglin Air Force Base, personally representing the community for the Emerald Coast. A man from humble beginnings, he never gave up on his dreams and spent the rest of his life teaching others to do the same.
Dr. Joe is survived by his son, Joe (JoeJoe) C. Carnley and wife, Abby; daughter, Kimberley E. Huels and husband, Lee; grandkids, Peyton, Saylor, Joseph "Cameron," and William Henry (Hank); mother of his children, Bridget Carnley; sisters, Juanita, Charlie and Willagee; and fiancée, Tina Anderson.
Services are being held at Evans-Brown Funeral Home on Wednesday, Feb. 1, at 1 p.m. Hours of visitation will be held on Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m.
Flowers are welcome, and donations in Dr. Joe's honor may be made to the American Cancer Society or Smyrna Cemetery Foundation.
Dad, you were the greatest dad and granddad in the world. We love you ... you will be missed.
Evans Funeral Home, Florala, is entrusted with arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joe Carnley
Mike Anderson
January 25, 2024
I still miss my buddy Joe Joe
Amy Evans
February 5, 2023
I was reminiscing with a great friend this morning about Dr. Joe. He was such an inspiration and guide. His words will stay with me.
Charles Robinson
January 25, 2023
Joe put me through Dale Carnegie, as a student and instructor. In the managing stress section, he always related his motto, "Lord don't let me stop living before I die." I can't count the number of times I've passed that on and reminded myself of the example he set. Joe never stopped living then, and lives on now in the lives he touched with the way he lived.
Frank Kovach
January 25, 2019
Joe was very like able and friendly to everyone he met. He was always smiling and shell always be missed by those who know him. He loved flying his old airplanes I miss him very much. Fly your way Joe way up in the heavens. May God bless you and your family.
Mackenzie Bailey
February 26, 2012
Happy birthday! I miss you and love you!
Mackenzie Bailey
February 18, 2012
Joe Joe,
How I miss you so much. You brought so much joy and happiness in moms (Tina Anderson) and my life. You were the best man with the most positive attitude to ever come in our lives. I will never forget the love that you and mom shared. You made us the luckiest ladies in the world. I'm so glad that you had mom by your side through all of this. I wish we could have you back. You were the best stepdad ever! I wish I could see you come through the door one more time calling for the most beautiful women in the world (mom). I love you so much! May you sleep tight I LOVE YOU
Beverly Gilmore
February 10, 2012
Dr Carnley was my dentist for 17 years, even after I relocated to northern Michigan. A true professional, he gave patients his home phone number and at least twice met me in emergencies after hours and before hours at his office. He enjoyed remembering a summer job in the cherry orchards of Traverse City. "I've never been in such cold water (Lake Michigan)or been so sick" (from eating too many cherries). My husband and I will miss his good humor and bright approach to life.
Debbie Shelton
February 6, 2012
Dr. Joe will be deeply missed. He was my Dale Carnegie instructor. He tought me so much. My heart goes out to his family & staff. You will always be in my heart.
February 6, 2012
Dr. Carnley you can have all the ice cream you want, even chocolate.
Carolyn Beck
February 6, 2012
Dr. Carnley you can have all the ice cream you want, even chocolate.
Carol Hearne
February 2, 2012
Though I haven't seen Joe for many years, he is a person you can never forget! I spent 20+ years enjoying a lot of fun with his family, he took awesome care of me and my children as a dentist (for a meager fee) , and he was a faithful friend. I will have to wait until I get to heaven to visit again!
JoAnne Orr
February 2, 2012
You will be missed. God bless all of you in his family
Sandy L Parrott
February 2, 2012
I was so sorry to hear about Joe. My prayers and deepest sympathies. I spent time with Joe teaching at The LD Pankey Institute, and although we didn't see each other often, when occasions would occur it was always like old home week!! We would "pick up where we left off." He was a wonderful caring and giving person and will be missed!! Sandy Parrott
Eric Shackelford
February 2, 2012
We'll miss you Doc. Thanks for always taking great care of our teeth and for your concern and interest in our lives. Wish I would have listened to you about the braces when I was a kid. I think I'll go ahead and get them as soon as I come up with the money (at 28 years old!) Better late than never though, right? Rest in peace.
Frank Kovach
February 2, 2012
I have known Joe for over twenty years and always found him an uplifting person who brighten the day for everyone he met. He is a shinning example that one man can make a difference in the lives off others and his inspiration will shine on forever. God Bess, Frank Kovach, Destin, FL
Shirley Mason Morris
February 1, 2012
I'm so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. I graduated in the same class as he in 1962. I last saw him at our reunion in Florala in 2006. I was so impressed with his accomplishments and when he got up to speak it was such an inspiration. Bless you dear family. God will give you the peace that passes all understanding.
Love this pic of the two of you.
Melisa Davis
February 1, 2012
Joe, you were such an inspiration and had a way of making everyone smile.
Most of all, you were an amazing friend, companion and love of my best friend, Tina Anderson. I have never seen her so happy. The two of you had a love for each other like no other.
This was so evident when she stayed right by your side caring for you during your illness. That is TRUE LOVE! You will be missed dearly.
Windy & Rod Williams
February 1, 2012
Joe was our family dentist from the time he opened his office in the Mae Center. He taught me not to be "allergic to dentists". Over our many years together I shared some of my leadership techniques with him, along with many a joke. He told me he always closed his teaching classes with the poem I gave him that was an Old Irish Prayer that he so loved. He would walk into the office, see me and start reciting it. When he flew we would run out and watch he and his friends fly over our house and marvel at their maneuvers. Joe will be greatly missed by so many. I feel honored to have known him - he was such a wonderful person to know. To Kimberley and Joe Joe, your Dad was one of a kind and a fantastic person.
Debra Childs
February 1, 2012
Dr. Joe will be greatly missed by all the folks that knew him. My sisters, Barbara Thorn Gray and JoAnn Thorn Cook, as well as my nephew, Jay Merrifield were Dr. Joe's patients. They spoke well of him as a Dentist and a great friend!! God Bless the Carnley family, and you will be in our familie's prayers. Debra Thorn Childs
Kerbi Ancona
February 1, 2012
Dr Joe
When I started the Dale Carnegie course you were my Instructor.When I finished you were my friend who encouraged me with patience and understanding.You taught us all to step outside our comfort zone, and not fear whats on the other side. You will be truly missed by everyone you touched.
Dave Harris
February 1, 2012
Dr. Carnley was my dentist, Dale Carnegie Instructor, friend and mentor. Simply put, he made me a better person. His positive impact on earth will only be shadowed by his eternal presence in heaven. You are missed dearly.
February 1, 2012
Joe your were a fantastic dentist to work for,fun to be around and most of all a wonderful human being.You will be truley missed by everyone you touched!From dearest friends and from all the "leroy's and gertrudes" i will miss you deeply,Gina
Angie Harris
February 1, 2012
Joe has touched our lives over the past few years in ways that we are forever grateful for. We will miss you Joe Joe. From all of us at Cannon Aviation Insurance.
Danielle Aderhold (Littlejohn)
February 1, 2012
My family and I are truly blessed that we got to have Dr. Carnley in our lives. Not only was he a wonderful dentist who made my children and I love to go to the dentist but he taught me a lot while attending his Dale Carnegie class. His patience, understanding and loving ways encourage everyone to enjoy life to its fullest! My son loved watching him fly. You will be deeply missed Dr. Carnley and we will never forget you!
Tammy Gallegos
February 1, 2012
I had the pleasure of having Dr. Joe Carnley as my instructor in one of his Dale Carnegie classes. He was an inspiration and a first class gentleman. He will truly be missed. My heart goes out to his family. God Bless.
Shirley Huffman
February 1, 2012
I have many wonderful memories from Paxton High School and Joe. He was a wonderful friend. Even though we lost touch, I will always remember those years. Shirley (Daughtry) Huffman
Mike Anderson
February 1, 2012
My Friend Joe Joe
We met on a flight at Kenosha that that guy was working on his lead. We had never flown together before and it was one of the worst flights we had ever been on. Joe and Max and I were reaonably new wingman and when we got down form the flight we asked each other if that was the worst flight ever, and we all agreed it was. From then on we became great friends. At the banquet on the last night Terry Adams was giving away the Snap on door prizes and Joe won a stubby ratchet screw driver. Joe, Max and I where sitting at the same table and when Joe got back to the table I kiddingly said Joe you ought to give me that screw driver he then pushed the srew driver over in front of me and said here its yours. I said, no Joe I was just kidding you, he said no Mike you don't understand I make my living with my hands I cannot do any kind of mechanical work because if I cut or nick my hands I cannot work I want you to have it because you will use it. That small gesture of kindness started one of the greatest friendships I have ever had. Joe told me that weekend that I had something special that not many people have and that he could see great things in my future. What Joe saw in me I really don't know. He always encoureged me and always pushed me to be better. When I was down he picked me up when I had problems he was there for me with counsel and advise. Since that weekend there has hardly been a week go by that Joe Joe and I didnt talk. Joe Joe was my brother and one of my closest friends in this world. .
As I write this with sadness in my heart I know my freind Joe Joe is leading the ultimate big formation in the sky, high above us.
I will charish my screw driver for ever
As you always said, "Soar with the Eagles"
I will miss you my friend
Hannah Cameron
February 1, 2012
Dr. Carnley, our community will miss you! Thank you for my new smile. Thank you for all your encouragement while I was going through nursing school (and I'll keep going!). I'll miss seeing you in your office, and I'll miss seeing you fly overhead. To the family, I hope you find peace in your loss. My deepest sympathies go out to you.
dick harrell
February 1, 2012
They were the only times in my life that I looked forward to a Dentist Appointment. I'm sure heaven these days is a lot happier with Joe's many stories.
Shannon Krock-Hanz
January 31, 2012
My heart skipped a beat when i heard the news of Dr Carnleys passing...having the privilege of working as his chairside assistant for a couple of years taught me lessons such as compassion, responsibility, honesty, courage, maturity, and the meaning of true friendship, just to name a few. I still remember how his face would light up when he talked about 'flying like an Eagle'.
Godspeed Dr Carnley. You will be greatly missed. Blessings to Bridget, Kimberly & JoeJoe...you have quite a journey ahead...take good care of yourselves.
Pam Barrett
January 31, 2012
Thanks for making me always feel special and making me laugh. You were my dentist for many many years. God bless your family.
Mary Moore Lollie
January 31, 2012
Dr. Joe Carnley was my instructor while I was in dental assisting school then he became my first employer. I will never forget the years I worked for him. He was a wonderful person and truly loved and cared about his family, patients and friends. My prayers are with all of you during this ime of your loss.
Dean Stanton
January 31, 2012
In the early 70's, at 9 years of age, I "pulled weeds" around Dr. Carnley's practice while he "pulled teeth". He gave my sister a job too. Seems he was always looking for ways to help others. Dr. Carnley and his kindness will never be forgotten by the people he touched. My prayers go up for Joe Jr. and the rest of Dr. Carnley's family while they mourn his passing, yet celebrate his life, over the next few days and weeks.
Lisa & Charles Secrest
January 31, 2012
Joe, "You fought the good fight, you have finished the course, you have kept the faith." Bridget, our thoughts and prayers have been and will continue to be with you and your family. Peace be with you. Lisa & Charles Secrest
Jennifer Bishop-Steinmeier
January 31, 2012
Dr. Carnley you always took great care of me and my family, since I first had teeth. Prayers to the family.
Kevin Allen
January 31, 2012
Dr. Joe Carnley,
We would like to thank you for everything, you were such a great role model and person to everyone in our community. We will surely miss you and your kindness. May your soul rest in peace!
Love,
Kevin Allen
And all of the TGI Fridays Staff
Henry Gremillion, DDS
January 31, 2012
Dr. Joe Carnly epitomized professionalism, positive mental attitude, and dedication to family, friends, and to dentistry. His example has always been inspirational to me. Your friendship will always be considered a wonderful blessing in my life.
Casey Kent
January 31, 2012
Dr. Joe you will be forever missed. Casey and Alexandra Kent
Tim Knapp
January 31, 2012
Dr. Carnley was my dentist and I deeply regret his passing. I only knew him for a couple of years, but he always made me feel like he liked me and that he was very concerned about my dental and over-all health. I will not forget him. My condolences to Tina and his family.
Chet & Norma Goguen
January 31, 2012
We did not know you very well, but met you once at the airport at which time Tina introduced you to us, but we do know how happy you made Tina, and for that we are grateful. Rest in the peace of God. Chet and Norma Goguen
January 31, 2012
Joe, I will miss you my friend and all those tremendous battles we shared through tennis. I know you fought this just as hard. Prayers to your family. Jim Ross
James and Jackie Lee
January 31, 2012
Only dentist we looked forward to going to ever! We will miss our conversations - often one sided in the chair - and our other visits together. To fly West is a journey we all take - Godspeed on yours pilot Joe!
Chuck Robinson
January 31, 2012
No doubt, by now the Angels are enjoying your 'magic'. Thanks for inspiring me to be a better father, better pilot, and better man. I'll miss you and your humor.
Sandi
January 31, 2012
Dr. C, you were so much more than just a dentist to me for over 25 years. I will miss you.
January 31, 2012
Thanks for everything you did for everyone. You were a GREAT man and role model. I will miss you!!!!!!! I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!
January 31, 2012
I miss you so much
Katrina Harrison
January 31, 2012
R.I.P. Joe-Joe...I will always keep you in my heart. I Love You
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