George Mason Caraway

October 26, 1926 - July 20, 2016

George Mason Caraway, 89, of Noxapater, MS, died peacefully on July 20 at the Veterans Administration Nursing Home in Kosciusko, MS. He was born on October 26, 1926, in Hickory, MS, to James Priestly Caraway and Ruby Nell Gunn Caraway. Mr. Caraway served in the U. S. Marines during World War II, where he was assigned to the Pacific Theatre. He was discharged on August 6, 1946. When he returned to Mississippi, he began his career in Jackson as a Civil Engineer for the MS Department of Transportation, where he worked from October, 1946, until his retirement in August, 1984. While living in Jackson, he coached in youth baseball leagues, and was an example and mentor to many young men. He eventually became an umpire in baseball, and a referee in football and basketball for the MS High School Athletic Association His reputation for fairness and impartiality earned him great respect among coaches, players, and other officials. When he transferred to the Louisville District Office of MDOT, he continued to officiate in the north-central part of the state. He took great pride in his work as a Civil Engineer and as an official. He was an avid hunter and fisherman for as long as his health allowed. Mr. Caraway served in active leadership roles at Hillcrest Baptist Church in Jackson, and at Noxapater Baptist Church in Noxapater. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and mother of his children, Bobbye Jo Smith Caraway, daughter Sherry Nell Caraway, and second wife Mary Barrier Caraway. He was also preceded in death by his brothers Denman, Demar, Jeff, Edward, Natie, and Brian, and by a sister, Edna Kyle. He is survived by his daughter, Brenda O'Bannon and her husband, John, of Starkville; daughter Michele Caraway of Jackson, son Mike Caraway and his wife, Jeananne, of Clinton, and sister Earline Young of Pascagoula. He is also survived by his grandchildren Tyler O'Bannon and wife Lauren, Taylor Caraway, Wesley Caraway, and Hailey Caraway, and by his great-grandson, Judah O'Bannon. Visitation for Mr. Caraway will be Saturday, July 23, 2016, at Nowell Massey Funeral Home in Louisville, Mississippi, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 24, 2016, at Noxapater Baptist Church in Noxapater, Mississippi, with Rev. Don Cook officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Noxapater. Serving as pallbearers will be Mark Armstrong, Derek Caraway, Greg Caraway, Kirk Caraway, Terry Wayne Caraway, and Wesley Caraway. Honorary pallbearers are Duane Caraway, Sammy Carter, and Kenny Creekmore. Memorials may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Tribute Program, P. O. Box 1000 Department 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142. Services are under the direction of Nowell-Massey Funeral Home, 724 North Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS 39339. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.nowellmasseyfuneralhome.com.