John Scott Carty

NASHVILLE- John Scott Carty, 71, died on Tuesday morning, December 1, 2009, surrounded by his loving family. The oldest of nine children, John was born in Big Stone Gap, Virginia on September 7, 1938 to Blanche Evelyn (Hurd) Carty and Irven Scott Carty. John grew up in Big Stone Gap and served in the United States National Guard before moving to Cape Canaveral, Florida. In 1960, he began working at what is now known as the John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and was a member of the KSC Government/Industry team that launched Apollo 11. In late 1969, John accepted a job at Hardee's Food Systems, Inc., in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, and the family settled in nearby Nashville, his wife's hometown, where they raised their girls and established many long and lasting friendships. For 28 years, John served in a variety of management positions at Hardee's, including Director of Construction and National Director of Development. He received numerous awards during his years of service at Hardee's, including the Construction Management Award in 1980 and a Special Achievement Award in 1989 in recognition for development excellence in the aftermath of Hurricane Hugo in Charleston, South Carolina. John retired from Hardee's in 1997, but remained active, owning and operating PJ Development Company and serving as a consultant to The Generations Companies, a real estate development and operating firm based in Durham, North Carolina. John was a longtime member of Nashville Baptist Church. In 1998, he was ordained as a Deacon, having been chosen one "of good report, full of the Spirit and wisdom," and capable of using the office well. His service to his church was formally recognized on December 7, 2008 when he was presented with a special plaque proclaiming that day John S. Carty Day "in recognition of numerous deeds and many hours of service, and in honor of his tireless, unselfish and dedicated efforts to Nashville Baptist Church." John was a devoted and loving husband of almost 50 years. He was a man who quietly, but profoundly made a difference in this world through his faithful service to others, strength of character and love of God. He was known for his special ability to accomplish tasks, no matter how big or small. He was not flashy and never sought accolades or acclaim, preferring to remain behind the scenes and out of the limelight, and he excelled in that role. He leaves a lasting legacy that includes the many lives he touched and the projects in which he had a hand. He was loved dearly by everyone, all of whom were blessed by his gentle spirit. Known by either Johnny, John or Pop, his was a life well lived. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Patsy Beal Carty, their two daughters, Marsha Kennedy and Linda Joyner, his son-in-law Scott Joyner, and his four grandchildren, Bryce John Willis, currently serving in the United States Army in Iraq, McCarty Townsend Kennedy, Madison Francis Kennedy and Mikayla Grace Joyner. He is also survived by five brothers and their wives, Larry and Wanda Carty, Gary and Rhonda Carty, Ken and Linda Carty, Charles and Linda Carty and David and Becky Carty; two sisters and their husbands, Phyllis and David Whitaker and Doris and Lane Jones; and two sisters-in-law and their husbands, Ann and Ed Gaskins and Lou and George Collins. John was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Richard Glenn Carty. The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 3, 2009 from 7:00 until 8:30 at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 North Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, North Carolina. A service in celebration of John's life will be held on Friday, December 4, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Nashville Baptist Church, 512 East Washington Street, Nashville, North Carolina 27856. Donations in memory of John Carty may be made to the Budget Fund of Nashville Baptist Church, and flowers may be sent to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home. On-line condolences may be made to the Carty family by visiting www.wheelerandwoodlief.com. Arrangements by Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Ave., Rocky Mount, NC 27804. Service Nashville Baptist Church 512 E. Washington Street Nashville, NC 27856 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-459-3403 --> | Friday 12/4, 11:00 am