Gary Warren Carnes

Gary Warren Carnes ("PAPA GARY") passed away peacefully in the presence of his immediate family on August 8, 2025, at Community Hospice in Fernandina Beach, Florida at the age of 89. Born June 7, 1936, in Thomasville, Georgia, he was the second Son of Annie "Nell" and Lemuel "Lem" Baylis Carnes, II.

Gary was a loving Husband to his Wife B. Dee Carnes. They were married for 59 happy years, sharing a love for traveling, golf, tennis, spending time together at "The Farm" and their summer home in Highlands, North Carolina for over 60 years. He was an amazing and cherished Father to his only Son Charles "Charlie" Carnes. Gary and Charlie's time together spanned 56 years, during which they continuously exchanged their personal experiences of the day and frequently discussed the affairs of their many business interests. They shared great passion for land investment, sand & construction fill mining projects, citrus farming, Gator Football and Gary's four Grandchildren Madeleine, Gage, Camille and Cassie by Charlie and Julie Carnes. Gary was also beloved Papa Gary to Clay, Johnny and Tommy Townsend, the only sons of Clay and Susan Townsend (English). He is survived by his Sister Nelly (David) Lawson and numerous Nephews and Nieces.

Gary's family moved to Davenport, Florida in 1945 and upon locating large, commercial grade coarse sand deposits established Standard Sand and Silica Company, which is still in business today and operated by his extended family. In 1998, Gary and his son Charlie established C.C. Calhoun, Inc. with a single 20 acre mine. They have for several decades grown the company to multiple locations and have acquired sand reserves for multiple generations.

Gary conducted business in Polk County, Florida for over 70 years of his adult life and had the pleasure of working for decades with countless people, some of whom spanned multiple generations of local families. Gary was widely considered a trusted Mentor to so many. He genuinely provided guidance, support and wisdom without hesitation. One of Gary's many gifts was his subtle manner, yet he was powerfully able to encourage everyone to reach and even exceed their potential in all aspects of their lives and in doing so, often became a Father figure. Gary was particularly encouraging to young persons, and it's believed that he may have coined his favorite phrase to them "Your success will come from where your preparation meets opportunities".

When his family talked about what to say about Papa Gary the first mention was always sand and fill dirt mining, followed by Gator football and his beloved farm called Sand Hill Plantation. The most noteworthy fact about Gary, however, was one of his foremost guiding principles throughout life and which defines his legacy. That being his personal relationship with Jesus Christ, his Savior. Gary lived his life through the tenet of Saved by Grace through Faith. Gary was an Elder at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Winter Haven, Florida. He was outwardly Christian and openly led prayer before personal meals as well as during business related dining. Gary proudly expressed and lived his faith out loud. His Faith leaves his family with no doubts or fears and provides absolute assurance to them that he will be greeting them all again one day in Heaven to begin eternal life. We shall miss him.

A graveside service will be held at 12:15 pm on August 23, 2025, at Highlands Memorial Park, Highlands, N.C. The funeral service will be held after the graveside service at Highlands First Presbyterian at 1:00 pm.

Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com

Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.