Cary Val Hartfield
73, Carthage
After cremation, a memorial service and scattering of ashes was held in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., per his wishes, for Cary Val Hartfield, 73, of Carthage, who passed away on Saturday, Sept. 16, at his residence.
He was born in Columbia on July 7, 1944, and was the first child of Cary Nevil Hartfield and Valderine Daughdrill Hartfield. The family moved to Fort Walton Beach in 1952, where Cary spent most of his youth and graduated from Choctawhatchee High School in 1962.
After enrolling at Pensacola, Okaloosa-Walton and Hinds Junior Colleges, Cary served in the United States Air Force from 1965-1969, including three years in Germany with the 2005th Communications Squadron. He was a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He worked as an auditor for the State of Mississippi. Upon retirement from the State Auditor’s Office, he worked for the Lamar County Chancery Clerk’s office.
He was a longtime resident of Columbia, but in recent years moved to Carthage, the hometown of his beloved wife, Shelah Hollis Hartfield. A devoted husband, his greatest concern was the well-being of Shelah during their 19 years of marriage.
Cary was most at home in his worn overalls and a USM cap, with his constant canine companion, Lukie, at his side. Not one to suffer fools gladly, he “tolerated” a small group of loyal friends who enjoyed his sly humor, wit and somewhat cynical view of life. He did not tolerate absurdity, Walmart greeters or intrusive telemarketers. For those who knew him best, he will be remembered as a kind and generous human being with a big heart.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Nevil and Val; stepson, Hollis Patterson, and first wife, Marianne Gipson Hartfield.
Survivors include his wife, Shelah; stepson, Aaron Patterson; brother, Rick Hartfield (Colleen); nieces, Kate Hartfield Danzey and Haley Hartfield, and nephew, Jake Hartfield.
The family is grateful for condolences, but decline flowers and donations.
Wilcox Funeral Home in Carthage was in charge of the arrangements.
