David Earl McCarty

David was diagnosed with cancer almost 14 years ago, and when he was told he had 12 weeks to live, David's reaction was "No Way!," and he was right. David defied his prognosis for 14 years earning him the nickname "Superman" for pressing onward and always refusing to quit, even when it seemed the odds were against him. During his fight against cancer, whenever he was asked how he was doing, David's immediate reply was "Great." He was once asked how he had such a positive attitude and his reply was, "I get up every morning and look in the mirror and say, today is going to be a great day, and then I go and make sure that it is." David never complained about his fight with cancer and lived his life taking nothing for granted and with thankful appreciation for each and every day he was given. Today, David is better than great as he has moved on to his eternal home where he has won the battle he fought so long and so diligently with all his heart, soul and mind.

David was part owner of Ernest McCarty Ford in Birmingham, Alabama, where he worked with his father, Ernest, and sold many cars to his family, friends and neighbors. The motto of Ernest McCarty Ford is, "The Boss said let 'em go," which today, with heavy hearts, his family and friends say to David, resting upon the promise that David has been completely healed and they will one day meet again on a beautiful day in Heaven.

David was a 1977 graduate of W.A. Berry High School where he was a member of the football team. Upon graduation from high school, David went to the University of Alabama, where he played football for Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant. He was a member of the National Championship Winning team in 1978. Following the completion of his football career, David continued to be a huge supporter and fan of the Crimson Tide and rarely missed a game even while undergoing chemotherapy and other treatments during his fight with cancer.

David loved spending time with his family and friends. He lived until the day he died, spending his final days with those he loved, playing cards, listening to music and visiting. David was a resident of Riverchase, where he loved to play golf on Friday afternoons.

David was a member of Hunter Street Baptist Church in Hoover, Alabama. David lived his faith by helping others in need. If David recognized a need in his community, family, friend group or even those he didn't know that well, he was always quick to offer and give help, but did so quietly, helping others because it was the right thing to do and never drawing attention to his benevolent acts.

David Earl McCarty is survived by his wife, Tammy Hudson McCarty; and daughters, Shena McCarty Birdsong and husband Kasey, Natalie Jane McCarty, and Anna Marie McCarty; and one granddaughter, Ella Ann Birdsong. David loved all of them more than life itself. Also surviving him are his parents, Ernest and Edna Erle McCarty; his brother, Ernest Lee McCarty, III and wife Karen; dear in-laws, Perry, Tommy, Nina and Wendy Hudson; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many lifelong friends.

Funeral Service honoring David's life will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 27, 2013 at Hunter Street Baptist Church in Hoover. Dr. Charles T. Carter and Pastor Chris Sullivan will officiate, with the committal service following at Southern Heritage Cemetery, Pelham, Alabama. Memorial Gifts: American Cancer Society or Shelby County Humane Society.