Frederick Dean McCarty, 85, arrived right on time for his long-awaited appointment with Jesus at 6:40 p.m. on August 28, 2022. Fred was born on June 4, 1937, in Urbana, Illinois, to Leotis and Vivian (Davis) McCarty. A 1955 graduate of Danville High School, Fred received his Bachelor's in History in 1981 from the University of Texas at Tyler. In 1991, Fred received a Master of Arts in Religion from the Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, Texas. Fred married his sweetheart, Carolyn Sue Miller, on June 4, 1955. Together they lovingly raised three children who gave them ten grandchildren and twenty-six great-grandchildren. Fred was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Vestal Ray McCarty; a sister, Shirley Ann Jones; a son, Vestal Alan McCarty; and a grandson, Robert Michael Silva.

He leaves to lovingly remember him in stories both touching and hilarious: his beautiful bride, Carolyn McCarty of Cabot; his two daughters, Connie McCarty of Carrollton, Texas, and Sherry Wooley (Charles) of Little Rock; a sister, Sally Jo Marlatt (Dave) of Danville, Ill.; along with his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Fred was a retired Baptist minister who led several congregations from 1977 on, most recently serving as a deacon for Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Cabot. Fred also served his country in the United States Army National Guard from 1965 to 1977, receiving the Marksman commendation and the 10 Year Service Medal.

Fred never met a dog he didn't love or a hobby he wouldn't try. He especially enjoyed helping wife Carolyn in their garden and making interesting or useful things out of wood (and occasionally electricity and fire). Fred loved his family in word and deed, and he could not speak of Jesus without a tear in his eye, which is quite a thing for a Baptist minister if you think about it. He was passionate about sharing his faith with others and served the MCBC Student Prayer Ministry faithfully.

Fred's life will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 31, 2022, at Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Cabot, with a viewing to begin at 10 a.m., service at 11 a.m. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Moore's Cabot Funeral Home. If desired, memorial contributions can be made to the MCBC Youth Ministry, 163 Mount Carmel Rd, Cabot, AR, 72023 or by following the link to the donation form https://mcbccabot.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/562/responses/new