of Pine Bluff, AR

June 19, 1935 - March 5, 2023

Farrell Eugene McCarty (Gene) passed from this world into his heavenly home on March 5, 2023.

Gene was preceded in death by his first wife, Julia Ann McCarty (Judy), his oldest son, Kevin McCarty, and his second wife, Mildred Ann McCarty (Millie).

Gene is survived by his children, Stephanie McCarty Anthony of McGehee, AR, and Dr. Christopher Scott McCarty of Fayetteville, AR. Gene also leaves behind his grandson, Zachary Anthony of McGehee, AR, and his step-children, James Michael "Mike" Cole (Susan) of Holladay, TN, Debra Jean Cole Harrison (Jerry) of Star City, AR, Patricia "Dianne" Cole Harvey (Billy) of Grady, AR, and Rebecca "Becky" Lynn Cole Deeb (Bill) of Star City, AR. His step-grandchildren include Branson Chad Harrison, Leslie Humphrey (Bubba), Steven Harvey, Kaci Rhae Brown (Chris), Kylie Wynn Deeb Johnson (Hunter), Kendall Cole Deeb Steele (Michael), Kathryn Cole LTJG, Caroline Cole, and seven step great-grandchildren.

Gene was born June 19, 1935 to Calvin Farrell McCarty and Nina Estelle Cowsert McCarty. He was raised with ten siblings in Marked Tree, AR. After graduation in 1953, Gene joined the United States Marine Corps where he served as an aircraft mechanic. He was honorably discharged in 1961. He then married Judy Hammett on July 7, 1962. They were married for almost thirty-six years before her death in 1998. Gene and Judy were blessed with three children, Kevin, Stephanie, and Scott.

Gene and Judy made their first home in Dunedin, FL, where he was employed as a Florida Game & Fish Commissioner. They later moved to Pine Bluff, AR, where Gene completed a 35 year career as an Allstate agent. When not finding ''honey holes'' for brim fishing, Gene also enjoyed professional fishing tournaments and hunting. Gene loved spending time with family when they would stop through Pine Bluff on their way to vacations and school in Florida. His many nieces and nephews remember the entire McCarty crew making the annual trek to Conway, AR for the annual Hammett gathering. Gene's smile and genuine laughter at the Christmas Eve celebrations were a staple.

In 2001, Gene married Mildred Ann Wynn Cole. They attended church at the First Assembly of God in Pine Bluff. Gene served at the church by helping with lawn work. He and Millie enjoyed the trips they went on with their church friends. Millie's family welcomed Gene into their life and are grateful for the many wonderful memories they made with Papa Gene. Even after Nan's passing, her family was always generous with their time. Two regular deliveries were The Lincoln Ledger (that Gene would read as he watched the birds from the back porch) and Friday afternoon catfish and hush puppies. They were even brave enough to have spirited political conversations with him. Papa Gene felt the love the family shared as they kept his refrigerator stocked with leftovers and frequent phone calls and visits. He found the calls that involved seeking his perspective or advice especially meaningful.

Services will be held Saturday, March 11, 2023 at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway, AR. Visitation will be at 9:00 AM followed by a service at 10 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The American Heart Association or your local animal shelter. Or simply let someone know you love them.

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