T.J. McCarty

1939 - 2021

T.J. MCCARTY

WINTER HAVEN - T.J. McCarty, loving husband, father and Papa, passed away peacefully at his home on Wed. January 20, 2021, surrounded by his family. He was born in Hartford, AL on May 7, 1939 to Clifford and Unive (Hall) McCarty.
He came to Polk County from Alabama in 1956 and was a resident of the Winter Haven area for 65 years. He was an honest, hard working man for 33 years at Birdseye/ General Foods in shipping and receiving as a maintenance mechanic. T.J. could fix anything and loved to tinker and fabricate.
He loved to garden and kept a large garden for many years growing all types of vegetables to share with family and friends. All the kids and grandkids enjoyed the peanuts he would grow and boil every year. T.J. was also an avid Alabama football fan and would often help Bear Bryant and Nick Saban coach the team from his Lazy-Boy. 'Roll Tide!' He was a longtime member of Westwood Missionary Baptist Church, where he raised his kids and attended for decades with his extended family.
T.J. is preceded in death by his parents, son Christopher, two brothers: Cecil and Steve McCarty, sisters: Madeline Bass, Merlene Ernewein and Peggy McCarty Jones. Survivors include his best friend and devoted wife of 52 years, Frances Tate McCarty, three sons: Ray McCarty, Mike McCarty (Kimberly) and Kris McCarty (Tammy), one sister Betty Flowers, beloved granddaughter Brianna AKA Papa's Big Girl, two grandsons: Mark Tucker (Becky) and Ben Tucker, one great grandson Arthur Ted Tucker and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.
The family wishes to express its deep appreciation to the staff of Good Shepherd Hospice, a truly remarkable and caring group. A graveside service will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, January 23rd at Auburndale Memorial Park, 1889 West Derby Ave., Auburndale. Due to COVID-19, masks and social distancing are encouraged. Arrangements by Kersey Funeral Home.