Carl Edward Dooley

Carl was born in Humnoke, Arkansas, on August 11, 1931. He grew up working on the family farm in nearby Biscoe, Arkansas, and left the area at 17 to join the United States Air Force.

As a communications and crypto specialist, Carl served his country faithfully for 20 years, stationed at several bases across the United States and overseas, including Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Germany, and Japan.

Upon retiring from service in 1969, Carl worked various jobs before beginning his second career as Director of Maintenance at Knit-Away in Raeford, North Carolina. He remained with the company through its transitions to Summerfield and Cheeseborough-Ponds, eventually retiring. Afterward, he returned to the plant, now Unilever, and served as a security guard for several more years.

Outside of work, Carl served faithfully as a member of the Evangelical Methodist Church. Over the years, he held many church offices and was an avid supporter of the youth group, the Bible Quiz Team, and the Men’s Sunday School Class, where he achieved perfect attendance for several years. As long as his health allowed, he never missed the monthly men’s class trips to local seafood restaurants for fellowship and dining.

Carl was a man of good character, impeccable work ethic, and a friend to all who took the time to know him. Always in a good mood, with a smile and an encouraging word, he was known for his willingness to help others whenever he could. Someone recently remarked, “He was a role model on how to treat people.” Perhaps this was because he genuinely loved people.

But no love surpassed the love he had for his family. Married for nearly 65 years, Carl was a devoted husband and father who found his greatest joy in his family’s happiness. He was a shining example of selfless and unconditional love.

He was preceded in death by his father, Henry H. Dooley; his mother, Viola Dooley; his sister, Della Irene Dooley; and two brothers, Oliver “Sonny” Dooley and Jeff Dooley.

He is survived by his loving wife, Norma Dooley; his son, Terry Dooley, and wife Cheri; his sister, Peggy Jackson (Melvin) of North Little Rock, Arkansas; his brother, Teddy Dooley, and wife Ann of Biscoe, Arkansas; his grandchildren, Ron Shaw of Alliance, Nebraska; Robert Shaw (Katie) of Cascade, Wisconsin; and Ryan Shaw (Eva) of Fort Moore, Georgia; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews who adored him. Extended family members include Helen Johnson and Maxine and Bill Colston, who have shown their love through steadfast support and friendship.

Services will be held on Thursday, December 12, at the Evangelical Methodist Church in Raeford. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 2:00 p.m. A graveside service will follow at Raeford Cemetery with military honors.

The family would like to extend special gratitude to the phenomenal staff of Liberty Hospice—Donna B., Donna F., Christy, Ryan, Ben, and Tiffany—as well as Eric of Liberty Medical Specialties, Latisha McLaurin of Primary Health Choice, and various members of the VA. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Hospice Foundation of Hoke County, Inc. P.O Box 1584, Raeford, NC 28376.