Willie Carl Scarbrough

Willie Carl Scarbrough, known as "Carl" passed away peacefully on October 21, 2025, in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, at the age of 90. Born May 31, 1935, in Deanburg, Tennessee, Carl spent a lifetime dedicated to the values of equality, compassion and service to others.
Carl began his professional journey as a piano builder at Ivers & Pond Piano Company, but it was his steadfast dedication to workers' rights that distinguished his career. Rising through the ranks with humility and resolve, Carl ultimately held the prestigious position of International President of the United Workers of America. His unwavering pursuit of equality led him to collaborate with U.S. Presidents, U.S. Senators, and civil rights leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Carl's life mission was simple but profound: to ensure every person was treated with equal respect and dignity.
To all who knew him, Carl was the embodiment of kindness and patience. His ability to get along with everyone was legendary, forming lasting bonds with people from every walk of life. He had a distinctive warmth and generosity that made all feel welcome and respected.
Carl found great joy in the outdoors - fishing, hunting and target practice were some of his favorite pastimes. He was never happier than when he was building something: be it a playhouse for one of the children, a sturdy barn for more storage or doing a renovation project. Always eager to lend a hand, Carl tackled countless projects for family, friends and neighbors.
Carl's wife of 61 years, Georgia Faye Scarbrough preceded him in death. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Franklin Scarbrough and Ella Jeanettie Skinner Scarbrough; his siblings, Howard Scarbrough, Dale Scarbrough Stanfill, Blondel Scarbrough Lowery, and Gwyn Scarbrough.
He is survived by his daughters, Vicki Bandy (Harold) and Carla Scarbrough (Celisa); his grandchildren, Gayle Bandy (Michael), George Bandy, Gregory Bandy (Mandy), Victoria Murray (Greg) and Austin Smith (Bethany); his great grandchildren, Oliver, Carly, Emery, Grace, Jack, Ella and Kamille; and his sister, Carolyn Scarbrough Williams.
We know his work throughout his life has helped make this world a better place. To honor Carl's memory, we invite everyone who knew him-or anyone reading this-to perform an act of kindness for someone you don't know, and to encourage that person to pay it forward. In this way, his legacy will continue to grow, one small kindness at a time. To make donations, please see the list of agencies Carl was passionate about below:
ACLU Foundation link: https://action.aclu.org/give/pm-make-your-gift-aclu-foundation?utm_medium=pm&utm_source=gs&utm_campaign=nat-dig-pm-dd-int&utm_content=gs-search_foundation_exact-donate%20to%20aclu%20foundation-c-661586989587&initms_aff=nat&initms_chan=pm&initms=nat-dig-pm-dd-int-gs-search_foundation_exact-donate%20to%20aclu%20foundation-c-661586989587&ms_aff=nat&ms_chan=pm&ms=nat-dig-pm-dd-int-gs-search_foundation_exact-donate%20to%20aclu%20foundation-c-661586989587&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17788674474&gbraid=0AAAAAoxOUmgH_nrBZ3Phl6Iv6GqAHfxXZ
Gentiva Hospice link: https://www.gentivahs.com/patient-and-family-resources/donate/
Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary link: https://www.google.com/search?gs_ssp=eJwFwVEKgCAMAFD6DbrDfvrO4bLpEbqFtSVBKGhB3b73-mFKE-LuDLXEbLowmpfZkVXr1W9R2Ekw72zJIi2Ms9cN6VihXAJHPTVLg6b5LBWkJGgx7_cT6_cDKnIaoQ&q=old+friends+senior+dog+sanctuary&rlz=1CDGOYI_enUS1019US1019&oq=old+friends+&hl=en-US&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8#ebo=0