Earl "Skip" Burton Carney Jr.
April 1, 1953 ~ July 30, 2025
Born in: Dade County, FL
Resided in: Rocky Mount, NC
Skip stood on the end of a long pier just as the sun was setting.
‘What a magnificent time of day,’ he thought, splashes of red, orange, and pink reflected off the gentle waves of the bay. Before him was the most incredible sailboat he had ever seen in all his years on the water. A figure stood at the top of the gangway.
“Permission to come aboard?” Skip asked.
“Permission granted, Sailor.”
Skip climbed aboard, marveling at the magnificence of the ship.
“Welcome aboard, Skipper. I am Captain Jehovah. We’ve been expecting you, and we put together a special gathering in your honor before we set sail.”
“What about the crew I’ve left behind? My wife Karen, my daughters Jessica, Kathryn, and Spencer, and all of our family and friends?” he asked.
“They miss you, and they’re sad to see you go. But I’m going to take care of them, just like I took care of you all your life and during all your hardest moments. They’re going to have a celebration of your life, with all of your favorite people, playing your favorite music, talking about the amazing things you accomplished in your life. They’re going to carry on your legacy – and what a legacy it is!”
“I just tried to follow what my mother told me – can’t never could do nothing.”
“Skip, you accomplished so much, and made such a positive impact on so many lives – more than you could ever realize. You fulfilled the mission you gave yourself, that you lived to serve and to Be the Light for others.”
“That makes me so happy. I did my best to live for you, Jesus.”
“I know you did. Now, it’s time to set sail – there’s a whole crew of friends and family who’ve been waiting for you. I’ll even let you drive, since it’s a special occasion.”
“This whole thing is unbelievable. It’s almost like I died and went to heaven!” Skip said.
“You have indeed,” the captain said. “You have indeed.”
Skip lived an amazing life, from April 1, 1953 to July 30, 2025. In heaven waiting for him are his parents, Earl Burton Carney, Sr. (Alice) and Mary Kathryn Kerr (Albert), alongside many beloved friends and family.
His legacy is continued through his wife, Karen, their three daughters Jessica (Kevin), Kathryn (Otto), and Spencer Grace, and his grandchildren, Ian, Ava, Evelyn, and Audrey.
He ran his own business, CarneyCo, for over 46 years. He loved to sail, and to take friends and family out on the water, to share his happy place. Skip was heavily involved in the community and did his best to make it better every day. He was so much more than the words on this page could cover, but to know him was to know how full of joy and light and love he was for everyone he met.
Skip Carney was the catalyst for building churches in Honduras through the C12/ICM partnership, with a goal to have a church within walking distance of every human in that country.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for all contributions to go to complete this mission in Honduras. You can contribute through the following link: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0U0H00000ZORZqUAP or send a check to 99 Old Oyster Point Rd., Newport News, VA 23602
A Celebration of Skip’s Life will be held on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at 4:00 PM at the Dunn Center, 3400 N. Wesleyan Blvd., Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Rev. Rick Carney officiating. A visitation will follow the service at the Dunn Center.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Services
Celebration of Life: Sunday, August 3, 2025 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
The Dunn Center
3400 N. Wesleyan Blvd
Rocky Mount, NC
27804
Visitation: Sunday, August 3, 2025 5:00 pm
The Dunn Center
3400 N. Wesleyan Blvd
Rocky Mount, NC
27804
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I am deeply saddened to hear about your loss. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. Skip was a truly special person who touched the lives of so many. May you find comfort in the cherished memories you shared and strength in the love and support of those around you. My thoughts are with you and your family. May God wrap His loving arms around you all.
We have so many memories of Skip and his family. There is a large hole in our hearts today. Peace to each of you. Bill and Brenda Reges Shaw
I am so sorry for your loss. Karen, you and your family are in my prayers
Growing up with Kathryn I had the pleasure of knowing Skip. He took us out many times to sail, he danced the night away at our father daughter dances, and was always such a light in a dark room. My heart goes out to the entire family during this time. With love and condolences.
Karen and Family
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss and will keep all of you in my prayers. I enjoyed every day I got to work with him, always a pleasure to see him walk in the door with that smile.
He will be missed by lots of friends.
Please receive my sincere condolences and continual prayers for you, your mother, sisters, all of your family and loved ones, and all which concerns you.
May our LORD uphold and comfort you during this time by His righteousness right hand.
Truly,
Tabitha
I heard him play music l, I’ve read his books & I am blessed to have briefly met him and to know his girls.
John 10:28 “ I give them eternal life. No one can snatch them from my hand.”
In & friendship with my heartfelt condolences GinaMarie.
So sorry for your loss. Went to High School with Skip in Statesville.
Many fun memories with Skip and daughters Jessica and Kathryn and their mom Marian. Sailing adventures, dinners, and always laughter. He was one of a kind.
To my dear Dad from USA , from your “ Piruita “ from Argentina.
You will be always in my heart and in my soul.
❤️❤️
To my dear USA dad from your “ Piruita”
From Argentina. You will be always in my heart and in my soul.
Skip was introduced to me by our good friend, Buck Jacobs, during Covid. We joined the YouVersion Bible Studies during that time and studied our daily devotions together every single day for the last several years. While it is a loss to our group and myself personally, I know that today Skip is sailing with his Lord Jesus Christ.
Angel in Heaven!
Praying for comfort 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
I am so sorry for your loss. Skip will be missed.
George and Stephanie Ramey
So sorry to hear of this news this morning. Only knew him for a short while, through Open Door Church, but was very touched by closing remarks he would make at the end of our services, several months back. Prayers for his family.
Joe and Kathleen Williams
Joe and Kathleen Williams
my friend since the early 80’s and a load of happy memories. I will miss you.
A neophyte political candidate in 2010, I asked Skip to be my campaign manager in my first run for the NC House. Although he didn’t know me, he agreed after hearing why I was running. Needless to say, for four campaigns I got not only an extremely effective media director, but also a great friend. I love Skip and everything he stands for. God bless all of you, his much loved family!
Jeff Collins
I will always remember his infectious joy and leadership! Skip was a shining star spreading his creativity through our community.
Thinking of all the family at this time . Skip will be missed very much. He had one of the greatest smile’s!!