Mr. Gary Allen Carlton, age 71, of Eagleville, TN passed away peacefully on Friday, April 26, 2024 surrounded by family.
Gary was born in San Antonio, TX to Marvin and Helen Keng Carlton on January 23, 1953, grew up in Texas and North Mississippi, then graduated from Southwestern Assemblies of God University in 1976.
He loved music and was a self-taught pianist and gifted singer. He enjoyed playing at churches, with several different southern gospel groups over the years, nursing homes, or anywhere he could find a piano and an audience. He attended church faithfully at Family Worship Center and was a loved member of his life group.
He held numerous occupations over the years: he had owned a Christian bookstore, ran a recording studio, developed properties, operated remodeling and roofing businesses, and drove tour buses. He was the consummate salesman and the world’s greatest tour guide, even if some of the facts were made up on the spot!
Gary loved to travel, and if he had 5 dollars in his pocket, he would spend 10 of it to go on another adventure. He knew all the best places to eat but his favorite food was always the free food at any social gathering where he could meet new people and tell more stories. He loved watching sports, and his favorite team was always the one that was winning. He knew who was going to win every game, “The one with the most points!”
He loved his family dearly and loved being around people more than anything. He always made people feel special and never missed an opportunity to make a joke even if it was at your expense. He had a special way of looking people in the eye and making them feel welcome in rooms where they were not sure if they belonged.
Gary is survived by his wife, Luz Carlton; father, Marvin Carlton; children, Stephanie Ann, Stephen Allen (Candace), Stewart Aaron (Sarah), Joshua Macawile (Laura), Jacob Israel, Jeremiah Allen, and Jireh Aliyah; brothers, Johnny and Michael; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and a host of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother and two sisters, Patricia and Pamela.
Visitation with the family will be Tuesday, April 30, 2024 from 10:00 am until 12:30 pm at Family Worship Center in Murfreesboro. The funeral service will begin at 12:30. A graveside service will follow at Carlton Cemetery, Rockvale, TN. Family and friends are invited to the Eagleville Community Center after the graveside service to enjoy food and refreshments and share stories about Gary. https://www.woodfinchapel.com
Memorials may be made to Family Worship Center, 3045 Memorial Blvd, Murfreesboro, TN 37129 or Grace Works Ministries, 104 Southeast Parkway, Suite 100, Franklin, TN 37064.
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