Wallace Earl "W.E." Carruth Sr.

TUSCALOOSA - "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night." – Psalms 1:1-2
Wallace Earl "W.E." Carruth, Sr. passed from this life into the arms of his Heavenly Father on Saturday, April 1, 2017, at the age of 93.
W.E. was born March 11, 1924 in Pineville, La., the second of five children of Beulah Ella and William Artie Carruth, Sr. He attended Bolton High School and upon completion, joined the United States Navy. He served during World War II as a Signalman, and was honorably discharged. W.E. proudly remembered watching the famed raising of the flag over Iwo Jima from his station on the U.S.S. Gear. He later earned a Bachelor's of Science in History from Louisiana College and completed the Master's program at Louisiana State University. He married his loving wife, Helen Marie Posey, in December 1947. W.E. also worked for the U.S Postal Service and taught high school history.
W.E. surrendered his life to Jesus Christ as a young man, and answered his call into full-time ministry. He attended Kernersville Bible College, N.C., becoming an ordained minister in the Church of the Nazarene in 1950. He and Marie pastored for over 40 years in Nazarene churches across Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Alabama. He was devoted to his Lord and served with zeal. He was a friend, shepherd, mentor, leader and a gifted storyteller.
W.E. worked tirelessly with each of the churches he was privileged to pastor, serving them not only in a spiritual capacity, but also as handyman, planner, and in any other way needed. As a talented orator, he spoke to groups and individuals, always making time for those in need. He touched the lives of many and was instrumental in building the kingdom of God. He truly lived the biblical instruction to "pray without ceasing" and his Bible could always be found with him. After retirement, W.E. continued to serve in various capacities, filling in as a pastor where needed and ministering to his friends at weddings, funerals, and other events. Under his ministry many lives were changed for the better.
W.E. loved his family and loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed visiting his extended family in Louisiana.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Helen Marie Posey Carruth and five children, Wallace Earl Carruth, Jr. (Patricia), Richard Alan Carruth, Sr., Sherri Carruth Stone (David), John Dee Carruth (Kimberly) and William Don Carruth, Sr. (Melissa); nine grandchildren, Ashley Carruth Taylor (Brad), Staci Stone Dockery (Randy), Amy Carruth Wyatt (Chad), Bethany Joye Stone, Laura Stone Peacock (Josh), Richard Alan Carruth, Jr. (Christine), Miranda Carruth Burson (Chris), Magen Ann Carruth and William Don Carruth, Jr.; 14 great-grandchildren: Caleb Wyatt, Alyssa Dockery, Jay Dockery, Bradleigh Taylor, Caelyn Taylor, Logan Dockery, Eli Dockery, Stone Peacock, Ella Taylor, Carlie Carruth, Asher Peacock, Finleigh Taylor, Cassandra Burson and Riley Burson; brother, W.A. Carruth; and sister, Patty Carruth.
He was preceded in death by his daughter-in- law, Sharon Carruth; sister, Athalea Brinkerhoff; and brother, Charles Carruth.
Known by his grandchildren as "PopPop," he is remembered for his fondness for sweets and his funny stories and nonsense words.
Services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at Tuscaloosa First Church of the Nazarene with Reverend James Walker, Doctor Bernie Deffinger and Doctor Mark Berry officiating. Visitation will be at Tuscaloosa First Church of the Nazarene today, April 3, 2017, from 6 to 8 p.m., and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday, April 3, 2017. Magnolia Chapel Funeral Home South is directing.
Pallbearers will be Alan Carruth, Caleb Wyatt, Will Carruth, Brad Taylor, Randy Dockery, Chad Wyatt, Josh Peacock, Chris Burson and Jay Dockery.
Honorary pallbearers include his friends at Tuscaloosa First Church of the Nazarene, Reverend and Mrs. Jerry Reach, Reverend and Mrs. Alvis Taylor, Reverend and Mrs. Don Elledge and Reverend and Mrs. Wally Rezendes.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Building Fund of Tuscaloosa First Church of the Nazarene.
The family wishes to thank the staffs of Tuscaloosa V.A. Medical Center, UAB Hospital, Amedisys, Aspire, Hospice of West Alabama and Cancer Care Center of Tuscaloosa.
"And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." – Psalms 1:3