Barney Ray McCartt

Barney Ray McCartt, age 81, a thirteen-year resident of DeFuniak Springs, Florida passed away Sunday, July 26, 2020 at his residence. He was born September 8, 1938 in Sunbright, Tennessee to Earl and Cindy McCartt.  In 1959, he made the decision to join the United States Army and retired twenty-two years later after serving three tours in Vietnam.  He was injured while serving two of those tours.  He was the sole survivor when the truck he and his fellow soldiers were riding ran over a landmine.   Barney spent eight and a half months in a body cast in Walter Reed Hospital.  He also suffered a brain injury.   He returned to the jungles of Nam only to be blown up for the second time, this time in a Jeep.  This time the explosion broke his leg.  After retirement, he and his wife taught adults with mental or physical impairments.  Barney found it easy to get along with other people.  He belonged to the local VFW and the AmVets.

He is preceded in death by one son, David McCartt; one daughter, Carol Ann Lancer; and one brother, Sam McCartt.

Barney is survived by his loving wife, Josephine “Josey” McCartt; one son, Jeff McCartt; two daughters, Linda Russell and Barbara McDaniels; two grandchildren, Amanda and James Raymond Hellums; and two great-grandchildren, Christine and Abby Hellums.

A celebration of Barney's life will be held Wednesday, August 5, 2020 in the chapel of Davis-Watkins Funeral Home, 1474 Highway 83 North, DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32433 beginning at 2:00 p.m. with Brother David Russell officiating.  A time of visitation will begin one hour prior to the service.  Military honors will be provided by the United States Army.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Arrangements and services are under the direction of Davis-Watkins Funeral Home and Crematory.