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David Ray Carney, 79, of New Market, passed away February 16, 2025.

David learned to deal with life at an early age.  He joined the Army in July of 1962,  at 17, and proudly served for eight years, in both Germany and Italy.  The Army quickly realized his abilities and during training he was sent to language school where he learned German, becoming fluent in the language while serving there. While overseas he traveled as much as possible while on leave.  During his life he traveled to over thirty countries, most while in the military.

After he was discharged he returned home to Huntsville, Alabama and was employed by Regions Bank.  During that time he joined the National Guard, which sent him to many of those thirty countries.  He also earned an Associates Degree, a Bachelors and a Masters Degree, and credited the G. I. Bill for allowing him to complete his education. David also taught at Faulkner University during this time.  After retiring from the bank he went into business for himself and published a magazine called Mountain Folks.

The Guard ordered him to Bosnian Peace Keeping Mission, in the 1990s. When he returned he continued his business editing and publishing books for local writers, later writing books of his own, both fiction and non-fiction, Abut remained with the National Guard. After 9/11, he was ordered to conduct deployment ceremonies as well as welcome home ceremonies for Guardsmen all over the state of Alabama, which he considered a great honor.  The families of those deployed men and women were of great concern to him so he arranged group phone calls and even video calls for the soldiers and their families. He then developed the idea of annual "Christmas Bear" parties for children of deployed men and women in the Huntsville area which continued for ten years.

David also took great pride in being on the board of the Huntsville Madison County Veterans Memorial and in working as Master of Ceremonies for the returning Honor Flight Veterans and at numerous Patriotic events, including the Huntsville Veterans Day Parade wearing the Uncle Sam hat for which he became known in the area.

He took part in bringing the traveling "Wall That Heals" to Guntersville, Alabama as well as other events, too numerous to name. He was a member of several local organizations including AUSA, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1067, the Veterans Coalition, the board of the Spirit of America Program held in Decatur, Alabama, where he was presented the Humanitarian Award, and other groups.

David is preceded in death by his mother, Nellie B. Carston, father, Andrew J. Carney and brothers Tom Carney and Jim Carney.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, wife Judith Carney, Son Michael Carney/Emily and Daughter Lydia Birk/John. Grandchildren Tanner, Aubree, Charlee Carney, Clint Perry, Eli and Casey Birk.

Step-Children include Lyn Peppers, Joseph/ Tamara Peppers, Loren/ Steve Anderson along with many much loved Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, Cousins and so many special friends.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations can be made to Tunnels to Towers and Huntsville Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1067, which helps to enrich the lives of the Veterans at "Tut" Fann Veterans home.

Visitation will be Thursday, February 20th from 12:00 - 2:00 PM at Berryhill Funeral Home, followed by service at 2:00 with Freddy Boswell, Coy Halmark and James Henderson officiating.  Pallbearers will be Tanner Carney, Adam Wolfherger, Blake Peppers, Tynan Gibson, Kai Carvalho, and Wayne Grimes.  Honorary pallbearer will be Henry "Bucky" Waller.  Burial will be in Valhalla Memory Gardens.

Berryhill Funeral Home is assisting the family.