Carl Conway

1969 - 2015

Carl André Conway

Jackson

Carl Andre Conway, 46, died March 31, 2015. Services will be at St. Philip's Episcopal Church, 5400 Old Canton Road, at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, April 6th with the Rev. Kyle Dice Seage officiating. Visitation will be held at the church before the service from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m.

Andre was born in Vicksburg, Miss., on January 9, 1969, but lived most of his life in Jackson. He attended St. Andrew's Episcopal School where he was named Mr. St. Andrew's, was President of the Student Body and a 4-year football letterman; he graduated in 1987. In 1992, he earned his BA in English Literature and Creative Writing from the University of Alabama where he was a member and vice president of Sigma Nu Fraternity.

Most of Andre's professional career was spent doing "good works" in the non-profit world. At the time of his death he was Community Relations Manager for Youth Villages of Miss. He had held previous positions at the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, the Boys and Girls Club, the Miss. Center for Non-Profits, and DREAM.

Andre was a devout animal lover and rescued a number of dogs. He rescued an abused white husky that had been severely wounded with a shotgun, raised money from caring friends to pay for a leg amputation, and restored the beautiful animal to a healthy, joyous life.

Andre struggled with multiple addictions during his life, but for many years was able to lead a clean and sober life and was active in 12-step programs. During those years and even when he was struggling himself, he helped and inspired many people.

There are hundreds of testimonials on his Facebook page that attest to the impact he had on many lives, and we hope and pray that this will be his legacy. To quote just one: "When the entire planet, including myself had given up on me, you opened your arms and showed me how to live. You helped me to become the father, husband, child, and adult that I am today. I'm so sorry that I wasn't able to help you. I'm so sorry that I couldn't do for you what you did for me and countless others. I miss you buddy, and may you rest in peace. Fare thee well."

Andre is survived by his parents, Jack and Sigrid Conway; his brother, John Conway; his sister-in-law Laurie Conway; his nephew Benjamin Conway and niece Julia Conway; his aunt Jeanne Kotis (Dick), Kent Ohio; his uncle Jim Conway; his aunt Tina Smith; his aunt Martha Andre, Austin, Texas; and his first cousins (and their children): Chris Royer (Kevin), Akron, Ohio, Jase Conway (Kate), Katie Conway, Sigrid Goodspeed, Yerger Andre (Laura), Oxford, and Sarah Andre Neulander (Jason), Austin, Texas.

Memorials for Andre may be made to Youth Villages of Miss., Harbor House, Animal Rescue Fund of Miss. (ARF), or St. Philip's Episcopal Church. Additionally, some may wish to donate to Andre's Fund, which has been newly established at the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi as source of help for those struggling with addictions.