Robert McCarley Obituary

BRANDON - BRANDON - BRANDON - BRANDON - BRANDON - Robert William McCarley, at age 89, died peacefully at home the evening of February 09, 2025, and will be missed by all.

He was born March 03, 1935, to William and Bob (mom) Pullen McCarley and enjoyed his Delta upbringing. Through his Ruleville, MS, teen years RW delivered the many telegrams to Senator Eastland arriving at the depot where his dad worked, earned money and purchased his bicycle, and raised a calf for a 4-H Project.

Each morning his 5:00 AM chores were helping his parents manage their small dairy farm before his 8:00 class. Graduating from Ruleville High School, he attended Millsaps College, played clarinet and other instruments in the band and graduated with a Mathematics Degree.

During his senior year, he met Mary Grace Cox and between her roommate and RW prodding her, she joined the band using his clarinet. Ever helpful with the Kappa Deltas which Mary Grace pledged, RW assisted the girls build Homecoming floats, tutored others, and assisted with other projects earning him the unofficial title of their "Dagger Man". Mary and RW married in Ripley, MS, honeymooned in Gatlinburg with few tourists, and set up housekeeping in Jackson while she completed her degree.

For eight years RW taught advanced math at Murrah High School, a happpy time where both faculty and students forged close lifetime friendships. For several years Murrah produced outstanding, Broadway-quality musical productions and RW managed the stage crew, helping design and construct the sets. Murrah's yearbook was also directed by RW and it won national acclaim. Mary and RW were asked to chaperone the Mississippi Youth Tours which traveled over most of the USA. In class, he used "Life's Lessons" a patient approach to growing up and to encourage many reluctant students to accept math as a necessity. Parents wrote grateful notes of thanks to RW for helping the miracle of their child to graduate. Mary's and RW's only son, David, was born in 1968 so they moved to a larger home. RW also received his Masters Degree from Mississippi State.

With interest in computers just emerging, Dr. McCarley was tapped by Jackson Public Schools to initiate and oversee the installation of the first system-wide computer that would connect surrounding schools with the downtown central office. He remained with JPS 15 years until Millsaps College requested he assume an adjunct professor position of computer studies. (Early computers equated to basic AI today) Besides regular classes, Dr McCarley saw an opportunity to develop the eager younger set and launched "Computer Camps" for ages 8-13 during the summer. Meanwhile, the Millsaps faculty requested their own personal workshop as they were calling their grandkids for help. The public, feeling a bit belittled by this new technology, requested their own workshop after-hours so "Dinner and Computers" and "Coffee and Computers" were taught by RW. In the classroom, He was a teacher who truly cared about his students and used a creative, nurturing approach to teaching using the "real world" of industry experience. On occasion, students told him his classes were among the best experiences at Millsaps or others said how appreciative the computer skills helped them land that first job.

A man of devout Christian faith, Dr. McCarley looked forward to Northminster's choir activities where he formed dear friendships and lifted his bass voice in praise each Sunday until his illness prevented his participating. At the same time his "fun" job at Ace Hardware was affected.

Besides his great interest in and love for his family, RW had several passions he enjoyed. He loved woodworking and turned out some lovely furniture which we use today. Nothing quite compared to his enthusiam as a manicured lawn and also the Greystone lake lot for which he built its seawall with little help. He customized the kitchen, bath, laid miles of ceramic tile and added a cozy sunroom with a fireplace. Neighbors could always expect answers to their domestic building problems because RW was such a giving, sharing person. If a small group of neighborhood bikers rode to choose a cone from 31 flavors - we knew it was coming - when he ordered vanilla, everyone groaned.

This is not a sad time but one of celebration knowing Dr. McCarley's legacy lives on in the countless lives he touoched and memories he created. His generosity and gentle spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

The family wishes to express heartfelt thanks and deepest gratitude to all the nurses and caregivers of Legacy Hospice and Assisting Angels who attended to RW for the last 4 1/2 years at home.

Surviving RW is his wife of 66 years, Mary Grace, son David, grand children Madison, Adam, and Ryan (Corrie) and great grandchild, Liam who born four days before RW's departure.

A Memorial Service will be on Friday, February 28 at Northminster Baptist Church. Visitation is 10:00 am, the Service is 11:00 am with inurnment at 12:00 in the Columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Northminster Baptist Choir fund, 3955 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, MS 39211, or a charity of your choice. Online guestbook for condolences is www.sebrellfuneralhome.com