Robert Lee McCarthy

1923 - 2024

MCCARTHY, Robert Lee, known affectionately as Will C to his family passed away early morning on February 7th. He was born on September 10 1923 in Lynchburg, Virginia as one of 7 children of Flossie and Edgar McCarthy.

In high school he was the founding member and leader of Bob McCarthy and the Cavaliers playing swing and big band music. Soon thereafter he met the love of his life, Mary Alice and had 77 wonderful years together.

In 1942 he was called to serve in the U.S. army during World War 2. He was wounded his first day in battle and received the purple heart.

After leaving the military he and Mary Alice settled in Lynchburg. He graduated from Lynchburg College with a degree in Math and Physics and worked 42 years as an engineer for C and P Telephone.

Bob and Mary Alice were blessed with three children Michael (Nancy), Karen (Chris) and Stephen Parke (Patty), one grandchild Annyce (John), three great great grandchildren (Gunnar, Karsen, Zack) and three great great great grandchildren (Mickey,Lyla,Rex).

He was a deeply religious man and taught Sunday school for most of his life. He volunteered with the Lions Club (serving as president), The Red Cross, and the Boy Scouts.

He was well known for a great sense of humor, a love of family, and his deep devotion to his wife. He carried candy with him always and was called the Candy Man by his friends at Brandermill Woods.

The family invites friends to a service in the meeting room at Brandermill Woods at 11 am on February 26th with a reception following. A private funeral service with honors will be held at The Virginia Veterans cemetery.

Donations can be made to the National Federation of the Blind, Habitat for Humanity or the Red Cross.

Thanks to all who shared their love and laughter with Bob, especially his kind neighbors on Foliage Court. A special thanks to the ICU and Hospice at Bon Secours for their compassionate care.