Search by Name

Donald Carraway Obituary

Donald Wright Carraway

Donald Wright Carraway; age 79, passed away on Monday, August 19, 2013 at Big Bend Hospice House, after a 7 year battle with colon cancer.

Don was born in Birmingham, Alabama on November 11, 1933, to James Coleman Carraway and Dorothy Douglass Brown Carraway. During his childhood, he traveled many parts of the South, New England and Florida while his father was a driller for the U.S. Corps of Engineers. He attended 13 elementary schools and one for only a day…He graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1956, with a Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering. He specialized in soils and foundations, spending most of his career as a Partner at Ardaman & Assoc., a geotechnical engineering firm based in Orlando, Florida. He founded the Tallahassee branch and also traveled extensively in the Middle East while involved with engineering projects there. Upon graduating from college, Don was drafted and served his country in the U.S. Army, 11th Armored Calvary, stationed in Regensburg, Germany.

Don was a Rotarian for many years serving as President of Capital Rotary Club in 1990-91 and was proud to be a Paul Harris Fellow. He contributed his time and energy to many professional and civic organizations and church ministries. He was a faithful, long time member of Holy Comforter Episcopal Church.

Music was Don's passion and he was a Barbershop Harmony Society member for 40 years. Singing "lead" with the Capitol Chordsmen, he shared with them his many talents: sponsoring new members, serving on their board and as President several years and writing and producing four of their annual shows. Singing in Valentine quartets was a special delight for Don.

He was predeceased by his parents and his younger brother, Robert Martin Carraway. Survivors are his loving wife, Karen (Kay) Kinney Carraway, two daughters, Christy Carraway Assaly (Elias) of Dallas, TX and Julie Carraway Christian (Don) of Alpharetta, GA and three grandchildren, Donald Coleman, Karen Carlisle and Bradley Scott Christian. He also leaves several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church on Thursday, August 22 at 4:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Holy Comforter Episcopal Church (2015 Fleischmann Road, 32308) or Big Bend Hospice (1723 Mahan Centre Blvd., 32308).

Don's passion for life brought joy, laughter and song to everyone he touched and we will miss him so….

Published by Tallahassee Democrat on Aug. 20, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Carraway

Not sure what to say?





Dear Kay and family,
My first and lasting impression of Don was how he (and others) made me feel so "at home" in the Barbershop Harmony Society. He, like you, became a real friend and was always such an encouragement to me. It stirred my heart to see the culmination of his work, writing and valiantly performing in the most recent barbershop show. What a testimony to the spirit and grace with which he lived his life!! It has been said that "friendship multiplies our joy, and divides our sorrow." It is my prayer that you will find great comfort in the grace of God and the memories of a life well-lived. May God bless and encourage you in every way!

Gary W. Hansen

August 22, 2013

Fresh from the Vietnam war, Mr Carraway offered me a job when I had none, he continued to provide guidance and positive suggestions for the next 25+ years. He was a blessing to me and all that came in contact with him. Our family prayers and well wishes are extended to you and your family. Our Love to all The Mayos

August 22, 2013

Kaye, You and Don were my hero couple when you were dating and especially when you got married. I remember thinking that you both looked so happy and always had the most beautiful smiles! Please know that you will be in my prayers. Gayle Brown Smith

Gayle Smith

August 21, 2013

Don & Eddie signed me up 11 years ago. I remember so many good times with Don. He was always happy and cheerful. Memories of Xmas at your house and practicing for the VLQ. We sure will miss him and all he provided to the Chordsmen.

Dennis Kehoe

August 21, 2013

Words are shallow when a light has dimmed that shined so brightly for so long. Heaven has a new voice in its chorus. While he will be missed by many, may everyone take comfort that he now has "everlasting peace"! His fight was gallant, his spirit never waivered and his heart found its way into those who knew him.
May God guide Kay and his family through the days ahead by their faith and the comfort in knowing there IS a Heaven where we will all meet once again.

Ivan/Cheryl Roberts

August 20, 2013

Would that we all could face our end/beginning with the grace and ease that Don showed so many days before he actually "transitioned". He was and remains an inspiration.

Linda (Brown) Jerger

August 20, 2013

We send our friendship and love to you all in your time of sorrow. May God be with all of you.

Jeff and Kelli Bullock

August 20, 2013

Kay, my prayers go out to you and your family. I remember how much Don enjoyed the Barber Shop Quartet. He will be missed by all.

June Cox

August 20, 2013

Donald will remain in our hearts and memory as the most thoughtful and kind person anyone could ever be privileged enough to have as a friend. Sharing together 40 years of travel, holidays, cookouts, weddings, birthdays & anniversaries (and an occassional song)
is one of the greatest blessings of our life. We will alway love him.
Bill & Donna Elliott

August 20, 2013

My heart aches for all of you. You all are in our thoughts and prayers every step of the way. We love you all.

Suzi & Jeremy Poarch

August 20, 2013

Don we will see you on the other side of the river; all the "Brown" cousins remember you with great affection
Dick

Richard Claude Brown

August 20, 2013

No one could laugh or sing better than Don! We will miss him, and remember him always. May the Lord be with you all.
Laurie

Laurie Brown

August 20, 2013

We love Don and will miss him always.

Jim and Joan Maddox

August 20, 2013

Don Carraway gave me my first job after dropping out of college in 1970. I have always remembered him as encouraging and supportive in my efforts to get started in living. My deepest sympathy to all his family.

Erwin Balk

August 20, 2013

All my love to The Carraway Family. Many years of love, laughter, and wonderful memories.

Georgia Buford

August 20, 2013

Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results

Make a Donation
in Donald Carraway's name

Memorial Events
for Donald Carraway

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Donald's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Donald Carraway's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more