Benjamin E. McCarty

Benjamin E. McCarty



Benjamin

Edward McCarty, 86, a resident of Albuquerque since 1981,

passed away July 30, 2023. He was preceded in death by his wife Elaine (2016) after 54 years of marriage, his oldest son, Clay (2020) and his brother, Ronald (1988).

He is survived by his daughter-in-law, Maggie McCarty of Poolesville. MD and grandson Jack of Washington, D.C, son Marcus and son-in-law Rowel Fulinara of Phoenix, AZ, daughter Fay Barz of Albuquerque and grandson Colin of Seattle, WA, sisters-in-law Reona Varnado and Nancy Shell, and many nieces and nephews.

He grew up in Meadow, TX and earned a degree in Journalism from Texas Tech University. He worked for the Associated Press during the Civil Rights Movement and as a reporter for the Clarion Ledger in Jackson, MS where he met his bride. Ben and Elaine moved back to Meadow, and he became a teacher. From there, he worked in Public Affairs at the NASA Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, LA. Then it was onto Florida at Cape Canaveral (now the Kennedy Space Center) where he was in Public Affairs with NASA during Saturn and Apollo Missions including Apollo 11 and 13. He moved to Maryland with the Atomic Energy Commission which became The Department of Energy. He then transferred with DOE to Albuquerque.

Once retired he set his sights on becoming the best "Papa" ever. He supported both grandsons and their activities both in Maryland and Albuquerque.

Ben understood the importance of family. He loved road trips and read perpetually. He was a member of St. John's United Methodist Church and lived with the belief that "Jesus loves everybody."

On Saturday, August 19th, 2023 there will be a private graveside service followed by a Remembrance Reception for family and friends at 2 PM at St. John's United Methodist Church in the Family Life Center at 2626 Arizona St. NE, Albuquerque NM 87112. If so lead, donations can be made in Ben's memory to one of the following: Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation and their hospice assistance programs (give.phs.org), St. John's UMC Youth Ministry, providing a sure and safe place for youth to be rooted in His word, (stjohns-abq.org) or Silver Horizons, helping low-income seniors in need.

(www.silverhorizons.org)