Photo courtesy of Woodfin Funeral Chapel - Murfreesboro
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Sep 9, 1931 – Jun 27, 2022
William Ray Carey Sr, age 90, of Murfreesboro, TN went to be with our Lord on Monday afternoon, June 27 surrounded by family.
A native of Harrodsburg, KY, he was preceded in death by his parents, James Everett Carey and Gertie Mae Yates; his brothers, John Carey and James H. Carey; one sister, Lula Frances Carey-Alford, and his beloved wife of over 61 years, Jackye Louise (Smithers) Carey.
Funeral services will be on Friday, July 1 at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. Visitation is 10:00-12:00 with service at noon. Rev. Trey Carey, Dr. Jim Clardy and Rev. Martha Touchton will officiate. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.
Mr. Carey is survived by his son, William Ray “Bill” Carey Jr and his wife Libby; grandson, William Ray “Trey” Carey III and his wife Abbey; grandchildren Lillian Broox Carey and William Ray “Leo” Carey IV — all of Murfreesboro. He also has two brothers, Cecil B. Carey and Everett Haskell Carey, who still reside in Kentucky.
Mr. Carey was a self-made man who worked hard and built a wonderful life for himself and his family. Soon after moving to Murfreesboro in 1961, he became a local realtor and pillar of the Murfreesboro community.
He has been a faithful member of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church and actively involved in a number of civic clubs, community organizations, and positions of public service in Murfreesboro for the past 60 years.
In 1977, he started a charity golf tournament to raise money for the American Diabetes Association that came to be known as “The Bill Carey REALTOR Golf Scramble” and is still active to this day. After 45 years, it is one of the longest (if not the longest) running charity events in Rutherford County.
It’s difficult to say whether he was a more avid golfer or rabid Kentucky basketball fan. However, if you knew him, you definitely knew that he was both! To know him was to love him. And he was known and loved by so many in the Murfreesboro community and beyond.
Donations can be made in memory of Mr. Carey to St. Marks United Methodist Church or Fellowship United Methodist Church.
However, he loved his family the most. And we loved him. And that’s what matters most - “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13).
Read MoreI just learned of Bill´s passing this morning. I worked with him in Real Estate for a few years. He was a wonderful man to work with. I will always remember his professionalism and respect for others. May God bless his family during this time of loss.
Myra Mason
July 06, 2022
When I received the news that Bill had passed and told Dickie, his words were "We've lost a good one! " Oh how true. Having worked with Bill, I considered him a helpful colleague, but more as a mentor; he does this business the right way. He was a gentleman beond gentle; I loved watching him care for his beloved Jackye even to the extent of giving her perms and doing her hair. I can truthfully say he's the only man I know other than the professionals who do that! I won't be able to...
Peggy Thomas
June 30, 2022 | Murfreesboro, TN | Classmate
Mr. Carey was just the nicest of men. He always had a smile on his face. He was a true gentleman! I know his family will miss him more than we can imagine. But the City of Murfreesboro has lost a just a very, very good man!
Newton Harris
June 30, 2022 | Murfreesboro, TN | Friend
He was a blessing and will be missed for a long, long time. Nancy Phillips
Nancy Phillips
June 30, 2022 | Orlando, FL | Acquaintance
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Adam Morton
June 30, 2022 | Friend
Bill was a great man with a generous heart. His love for those suffering with diabetes was shown year after year with the golf tournament.
Lory Breckler
June 29, 2022 | Murfreesboro, TN | Acquaintance
