Tommy Carney
Published 10:17 am Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Tommy Carney, 84, a resident of Bogalusa, passed away peacefully on Sept. 26, 2017, at home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on Dec. 17, 1932, in Jamestown, Miss., just south of Foxworth, Miss. He was the youngest of nine children born to John G. and Susanna F. Carney.
He is survived by his loving and caring wife of 64 years, Wanda Thornhill Carney; two daughters, Patricia Carney Purvis and Linda Carney Scott; and one son, Charles R. (Kay) Carney, all of Bogalusa; five grandchildren, Benton M. (Myra) Purvis of Nashville, Tenn., C. Cody (Meagan) Carney of Bogalusa, Anna Kate (Clint) Casanova of Franklinton, Kristy A. Carney of Bogalusa and John E. Brantley (Ashley) Scott of New Orleans. He is also survived by his eight great-grandchildren whom he adored, Caden, Shelbylee, and Crockett Carney, Parker, Ridley, Gatlin and Kendal Casanova and Gracie Scott, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and many friends.
Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, John and Susanna Carney; and eight siblings, Cleo E. Carney, Woodrow W. Carney, Johnie W. Carney, C. Lois Fortenberry, Thelma E. Carney, Laroy Carney, Harry B. Carney and Betty C. Fortenberry.
Tommy grew up in Jamestown, and graduated from Columbia High School. After high school, he attended Pearl River College before enlisting and serving in the United States Army. He moved to Bogalusa in 1957 and established Carney Sales and Service shortly after, which is still serving the citizens of Bogalusa for nearly 60 years.
He was a faithful and longtime member of Superior Avenue Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon. He was a member of the Masonic lodge for more than 50 years and also a Jerusalem Shriner. He enjoyed going to work every day and visiting with his friends and customers sharing a cup of coffee.
He was also a member of the MCCA organization with the den of Roogaroos. He enjoyed parade day riding and throwing trinkets to the crowds. Tommy loved being outdoors spending time with his family hunting and fishing. Mostly, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home on Thursday, Sept. 28, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m., with Masonic rites at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue at Superior Avenue Baptist Church on Friday, Sept. 29, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Clay Norwood officiating.
Interment will be held at Ponemah Cemetery. Pallbearers will include William “Bill” Nielsen, James “Spike” McCullough, Henry “Butch” Beets, Walter McKenzie, Shane Bennett and Doug Brandon. Honorary pallbearers will be James Casanova, James Ladner, Ovette Branch, Joe Bateman, Tommy Sorrell, Frank Strickland, Walter Tisdale, Billy Ray Turnage, Bobby Payne, Joe Ball and Mike Breland.