Cary Carney

Cary Carney, 60, of Newport, North Carolina, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 6, 2024.

A memorial service to honor Cary’s life will be held at 4 p.m., Saturday, February 10th at Cape Carteret Baptist Church, officiated by Pastor Kevin Clubb. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. For those unable to attend, the service can be viewed through his obituary page on Munden Funeral Home’s website. The service will remain on the Funeral Home website for 90 days.

Cary was born on May 24, 1963, in Paducah, Kentucky, to his proud parents Cornelius and Constance Carney. He lived a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. 

From a young age, Cary knew the meaning of dedication and commitment. As a young teenager, he met his soulmate, Shelly, who was just 13 years old. Shelly would become his wife and partner for the next 41 ½ years. Together, they shared a bond that could withstand any storm and created cherished memories that would last a lifetime. As a father, Cary was a true pillar of strength and support for his children. He was also a proud grandfather who adored his grandchildren. Known for his kindness and compassion, he displayed unconditional love, always putting his family first in every decision he made.

Cary's kind and compassionate spirit extended to everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him. Cary's laughter and easygoing nature could light up a room, and his genuine smile was contagious.

Cary's love for the outdoors was unparalleled. Nothing was quite as enjoyable as fishing and eagerly awaiting the catch of a lifetime. His passion and skill led him to win numerous accolades, including a Bass Boat in the prestigious BFL Tournament. However, his greatest fishing achievement was the record-breaking 504-pound swordfish he and his son reeled in off the coast of Morehead City – a memory they treasured and proudly called the "sword of a lifetime." Besides his love for fishing, Cary was an avid deer, turkey, and duck hunter and had recently been on a duck-hunting trip with his son-in-law and grandson at his best friend's hunting lodge in Kentucky. Always on the go, Cary loved to play pickleball and won numerous medals for the sport, including the first U.S. Pickleball Open and Tournament. Cary loved the Crystal Coast area and especially enjoyed walking in the Croatan Forest, where he appreciated the beauty around him.

Cary possessed an incredible knack for fixing just about anything put in front of him. He showcased his expertise as the owner and operator of Carney’s Import Service. Based out of his hometown in Kentucky, he was the area's leading auto repair and service shop. 
 
 Those remaining to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Shelly Carney; daughter, Courtney Castleberry and husband Kevin of Benton, KY; son, Brandon Carney PA-C and wife Lauren of Newport; parents, Cornelius and Constance Carney of Newport; brothers, Chris Carney of Swansboro, NC and Chad Carney of Port Cha, FL; and grandchildren, Callie, Beau, Willow and Lily.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cross Trail Outfitters, CTO NC, PO Box 706, Plymouth, NC  27962, or Cape Carteret Baptist Church, 101 Anita Forte Dr, Cape Carteret, NC 28584.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.