of Yellvile, AR
April 4, 1945 - March 6, 2018
Carnes McCormack, age 72, passed away Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at Baxter Regional Medical Center.
Carnes was born to Fred Carnes McCormack and Virginia Riddick McCormack on April 4, 1945 in Oxford, Mississippi. He grew up in the small town of Coffeeville, Mississippi. He graduated from the local high school and went to college at Northwest Mississippi Junior College on a trombone scholarship. (The band director quickly switched him to drums.) At NWJC he was named ''Most Handsome'' his sophomore year. He then transferred to Ole Miss earning his degree in music education with an emphasis in choral direction.
During his years right after college he was married to Pat Long and lived in Batesville, Mississippi. He was a salesman, clothing store owner, worked at a hardware store but his love of music always called him. They had two children, Peyton and Meredith. He moved to Jackson, Mississippi in the mid-80s and worked at various night clubs where he was named entertainer of the year twice. While in Jackson he was named a Mississippi Ambassador by the state legislature.
In 1989, he married Macy Randolph. In 1995, with their daughter, Maggie, they moved to Yellville, Arkansas. Yellville welcomed Carnes with open arms and Carnes loved Yellville. He had a car lot for a while but then moved to full-time taking care of Maggie and promoting the area he loved best. He was instrumental in starting Yellville Music on the Square, served as Chamber President, was a member of the Lion's Club and served many years on the Turkey Trot committee. He was honored when he was a ''non-native'' chosen as the Turkey Trot Parade Grand Marshall in 2013. He was also honored by the City of Yellville when they proclaimed Carnes McCormack Day, June 22, the same year.
Music was one of his favorite things. He played in many bands, at many venues, and enjoyed every minute of it. His band, the Heaters traveled across Arkansas to play many ''gigs.'' He loved his band family and counted them as true friends.
He was so excited to be offered a position at First Baptist Church Yellville to direct music. He directed the church choir for 20 years. His love of Christ was evident not only in the music but cooking for the Wednesday night services. During the 2009 Ice Storm Carnes was at the church early every morning cooking not only for members who were out of electricity but when teams came to clean up he and Brother Rick were there all day, three meals a day.
What he loved best after moving to Yellville was the Community Christmas Cantatas. More than twenty churches were represented in the choirs over the years. His enjoyment working with the people over the years was evident in his ''enthusiasm'' during practice. It became a part of the Christmas tradition in Yellville where many attended.
Carnes is survived by his wife, Macy of the home; one son Peyton McCormack of Tupelo, Mississippi; two daughters: Meredith Meurrier and her husband, Michael, of Oxford, Mississippi; Maggie Davenport and her husband, Zach ''Bean'' of Yellville, Arkansas; one brother, Greg McCormack and his wife, Cathie, of Athens, Georgia; and four grandchildren: Henry McCormack, Myla Meurrier, Selah Meurrier, and Ramsey Meurrier.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister Lou Bergeron.
Visitation will be 5:00 7:00 pm Thursday, March 8, 2018 at Roller-Burns Funeral Home in Yellville, Arkansas.
Funeral service will be 11:00 am, Friday, March 9, 2018 at First Baptist Church in Yellville, Arkansas.
Interment will follow at Georges Creek Cemetery near Yellville, Arkansas.
Pallbearers will be Tim Hobbs, Byron Shipman, Mark Stoops, Kent Coffey, Dr. Shawn Bogle, Scott Pentkowsky, and Steve Jones.
Honorary pallbearers will be Beci Coffey, Roger Bates, Shelby Bates, Julia Sharp, Keith Hurst, Charles Jefferson, Carl Jones, and Jimmy Joe Sasser.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, PO Box 466, Yellville, AR 72687; or to Music on the Square, PO Box 431, Yellville, AR 72687.
For online condolences go to www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/yellville
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20 Condolence(s)
Terry Webb
Tuesday, August 17, 2021
Grew up visiting the Coffeeville Presbyterian Church in the 60’s and never forgot Carnes and Lou. Know they are all gone now, but they were special people. If you are familiar with those years in Coffeeville, I would love to chat with you. We were the Snells who
Lived in Bryant. 601-942-4480 if you know who we were. Terry Webb. (Birdie Snell was my Mother.
DW
Sunday, April 1, 2018
So sorry for your loss may you find peace and comfort in the words spoken at
2 Corinthians 1:3 & 4" Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our trials so that we may be able to comfort others in any sort of trial with the comfort that we receive from God
Lynne Mc ingvale
Sunday, March 11, 2018
So, so sorry. I lost Wes after only 18 months of marriage. But I do enjoy our memories. Wes often You and Carnes. What memories he gave to us.
Colby Harris
Saturday, March 10, 2018
I am very sorry for your loss. I remember the days of Carnes coming into The Hilltop and his wonderful singing at First Baptist Church. He will be missed. Thinking and praying for all of you.
Paige Collins
Saturday, March 10, 2018
We are so sorry for your loss . I considered Carnes as a mentor. Also, it was his voice that I heard that brought me back from fronting at a church function.
Judy Parker
Thursday, March 8, 2018
Praying for Peace and Comfort during this sad time. Carnes may be gone but will never be forgotten. He was a very talented,special man. Love and prayers to the family. 5
Jamee Yanchunas-Cooper
Thursday, March 8, 2018
I will miss you dear friend. I remember doing crossword puzzles with Carnes during the weekdays, while the whole morning gang were drinking coffee. We talked about the Bible, Jesus and shared some good Christian books.
Carnes was completely engaged in life. My life is more blessed because I was fortunate enough to have known him and call him my friend.
My love, condolences and prayers for Macy, Peyton, Meredith, Maggie and the rest of the family.
Jamee Yanchunas-Cooper and family
Billy and Becky Youngblood
Thursday, March 8, 2018
We would like to express our condolences to Macy and Maggie at this difficult time. I will never forget the fun times I had getting to be around Carnes,his family,and extended "musical family". It was truly an honor to know Carnes and a honor to call him friend. Heaven gained a great guy,as well as a character! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, Billy and Becky Youngblood
Rheta Van Cott
Thursday, March 8, 2018
I'm so sorry for your loss at this difficult time, and I'm praying for peace for you and your family.
Daleann Eriksson
Thursday, March 8, 2018
I was honored to meet Carnes 22 years ago when I moved to this lovely town.......So many memories of him........When my Dad was alive . he loved to sit at the ol' Dari Inn and chat with Carnes...Dad just loved all his stories.......and then Carnes met my daughter Stacy Elliott, and eventually she became his house cleaner......she admired him so much and loved helping....she had emergency surgery last July in St. Louis......and Carnes called her every night for the whole week to check on her,,,,,His phone calls meant the world to her......
He is a one of a kind "GENTLEMAN".......and will be missed by all....
As I am listening to his CD and hearing his awesome voice......and know that now he is singing and rejoicing in Heaven.....
Love & Prayers to the Family......
Daleann
Walter & Kim Locke
Thursday, March 8, 2018
Meredith and Michael, Prayers for you and your family.
Diane and Bill Truax
Thursday, March 8, 2018
Macy, Maggie,
Carnes touched our lives in a very special way. He will be remembered always. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. With deepest sympathy, Diane and Bill
Mark & Robin Hargrove "Rio"
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
Our hearts go out to you all! He was such a great man, & special friend to us! He will be missed!!
Dee Ann Simpson
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
Carnes will be missed by many and forever remember by everyone who had the honor of knowing him. Carnes was one of my first true crushes, as a little girl.
I remember Ashley’s first dance recital, Carnes was there to watch Meridth and was sitting right in front of our family. Ashley’s great grandmother, Momma Nita had nomideal who Carnes was and of course, Carnes had his signature pony tail and cowboy hat on. Momma Nita blurted out, that that man was just tacky with that hair and then Clay leaned over and told her that Carnes was part of my family. Needless to say, Momma Nita was so imbarrassed, but Carnes just turned around, laughing and said, ‘ I’ve been called worse’. We still laugh at this story. Keeping each of you in my prayers. Carnes was one of the true gentlemen left in this world.j
Rocky and Margie Hill
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
So sorry for your loss. Carnes had so many good qualities it's hard to name them all. His traits live on in his family.
May God surround you with His loving arms and bring you comfort and joy. Rejoice!Carnes is home.
Debi Williams
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
Dear Macy and Maggie, I am so sorry to hear about Carnes. He was a huge musical talent and a kind man. He did so much for his community in general and for music in particular. I enjoyed his humor, his talent and his humanity. I will always remember his voice singing Mustang Sally!!! We all loved Carnes, as you well know. I wish I could be there at his memorial service, but have moved to Florida to be close to my family as they age. You might remember me as Debi Aufdem-Brinke. I wish you both peace at this difficult time and will keep you and Carnes in my prayers. I can't help but think of him joining that heavenly band, in whose company he will stand as not just an equal, but as a star among stars. God bless you and keep you both.
Ronnie Darby
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
Macy I’m heartbroken over the loss of Carnes. I thought the world of him. Heaven has a wonderful new voice in the choir.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Judy Frasier
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
Macy, I am so sorry to hear about Carnes. I don't know how to express how much I feel your heart ache. I just know that you will be okay, for you have the Lord Jesus Christ by your side. Love you, Judy
Brooke, Timothy, Whitman & Chamblin Gibson
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
Meredith, Michael, Myla, Selah, Ramsey & Family:
We are so sorry and sad for your loss of such a special Dad and Grandpa on Earth. We rejoice with you that he is finally free of pain, and the promise that you will be together again. We Love You, and are praying continually for peace and comfort.
Brooke, Timothy, Whitman & Chamblin
Mike and Dianna Roller
Tuesday, March 6, 2018
To the family of Carnes McCormack: We are so sorry for your loss. Please accept our condolences. You have our deepest and heartfelt sympathy at this very difficult time.
We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Mike and Dianna Roller