Michael Davis McCarty
It is with deep regret and a profound sense of loss to report the passing of our good friend, Michael Davis McCarty at the age of 75.
Mike was a resident of Marietta, Ga. He was born in Chattanooga and grew up in Lookout Valley. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emory Q and Mary Sue McCarty; and sister, Patricia McCarty Odom of Mt Pleasant, SC. Mike graduated from Chattanooga Central High School as a member the Class of 1965.
He earned a degree in Industrial Engineering at The University of Tennessee Chattanooga. Post graduation he completed a tour of duty with The United States Army in Germany. As part of the Army’s Military Intelligence Branch, Mike served as a 1st Lieutenant Military Intelligence officer.
The start of Mike’s engineering career was in Chattanooga with Hensley Schmidt Engineering. After a relocating to Atlanta, Mike broadened his experience with Parsons Brinckerhoff/Tudor. He later joined Arcadis Engineering as a consultant to the Cobb County Water System. Remaining with Arcadis until his retirement, Mike reviewed utility plans for hundreds of Cobb County’s water projects. His attention to detail was instrumental in the success of these important projects.
During his tour of duty in Germany, Mike developed a keen interest in professional soccer. He was an avid fan of soccer in general. He closely followed Chattanooga FC and Atlanta United stateside. Mike especially enjoyed European soccer leagues, such as The Premier League in the UK and games involving all UEFA teams kept him busy. His favorite team of all was Bayern Munich of the German Bundesliga. He was often spotted at many local matches sporting his highly prized Bayern Munich cap. If a soccer game was scheduled for broadcast on any given day, you could count on Mike watching. The teams playing really didn’t matter. For Mike it was the sport of soccer that mattered most.
Mike had a strong appreciation of American Heartland music. He was a fan of country, bluegrass and Americana. But, his real passion in music was classic American Blues. Mike was a member of The Atlanta Blues Society and strong supporter of WRFG radio in its effort to keep the blues on the air for metro Atlanta.
During the 70s and 80s when blues ruled in Atlanta’s famous clubs, Mike was able to catch many of his favorite performers, often with friends in tow. Frequent venues were The Agora Ballroom, Blues Harbor, The Moonshadow, The Great Southeast Music Hall, The Big Dipper and his consistent favorite, Blind Willies.
Later in retirement Mike could be found often with fellow members of The Blues Society attending many famous music festivals around the Southeast. Chattanooga Nightfall was a frequent destination for Mike. He was particularly pleased that he was later able to take a Caribbean Blues Cruise highlighted by many of his favorite performers.
Mike was also keen on making pilgrimages to famous music heritage locations to be found in cities like Memphis, Clarksdale, Montgomery, Austin and Macon.
Mike’s friends were at the heart of his interests. Throughout his life Mike was able to maintain contact with most all his friends. He was as loyal to them as they were to him. He didn’t mind sharing what was going in his life and Mike was always interested in what was going on in yours. He will be truly missed by his long list of friends near and far.
As Mike’s health declined over his last few months, he told his friends that he was at peace with what was to come. He often asked for prayer and comfort as he continued his journey. Mike’s comfort and peace came to him on April 18, in Atlanta, Ga.
As Mike requested, a small observance was recently held to honor his life and to remember his friendship. Mike was laid to rest alongside his parents at Chattanooga Memorial Park on April 29.
Mike often told friends that his life had a theme. That theme is revealed in one of Mike’s favorite tunes ~ “Rockin’ My Life Away” by Jerry Lee Lewis. It can be found on YouTube Videos covered by many artists. Choose the version by “The Killer” himself. Give a listen and you’ll soon understand what Mike was trying to tell us about his upbeat approach to life.
Rest in Peace
Michael Davis McCarty
August 21, 1947 ~ April 18, 2023