Homer Daniel Careathers, Jr., lovingly known as "Dan," was born on
March 22, 1939, in Lafayette, GA, to Homer Daniel Careathers, Sr. and
Mary Ida Fincher. He was the oldest of three boys, followed by Robert
and Benjamin. Dan's mother, being a teacher, joked about naming all
of her boys with names that could be shortened to just three letters,
Dan, Bob and Ben, so they'd at least be able to spell their names.
Dan's mom was a teacher, as well as a social worker, and his dad
eventually owned a Western Auto store (which was possibly the start to
Dan's interest in working in retail). They lived in Ringgold, GA until
they passed in the late 80's. Dan graduated from Ringgold High school in
1957,and has maintained close relationships with many of his classmates even
until recently.
Dan was married to Ruth Elaine McClure until her passing in 2007. Dan
and Elaine have two children, Homer Michael Careathers (56), and Angela
Dawn Careathers-Smith (54). The two met while working in Woolworth 5
&10, and eventually would manage several stores together, including
Super-D and Fred's Dollar Store. Over the years their work moved them
to Georgia, Virginia, Florida, Tennessee and Alabama. Most recently,
Dan moved from Fayetteville, TN to Huntsville, AL to be close to Mike
and his family.
Mike is married to Jackie Bufford Careathers, and they have two
children, Ryan Michael Careathers (23), and Katherine Michelle
Careathers Pohly (27), who also reside in Huntsville. Katherine is
married to Jeremy Pohly and they have a daughter (named after
Elaine), Lainey Ruth Pohly (2). They are expecting their second daughter,
Sadie Michelle, in July. Dan was very excited about having a second great
grandchild.
Angie is married to Daniel Smith, and they have two children,
Joshua Daniel Smith (21), and Emma Mei-Jing Smith (13), and resides with
her family in Fort Worth, TX. Josh attends Texas Tech University in
Lubbock, TX.
To know Dan was to love him. He had the kindest spirit and the sweetest
smile. He was a humble and compassionate person who cared deeply about
others. He always looked for ways to help others whenever he could. He cared
selflessly for his wife, Elaine, for years after she was diagnosed with
Alzheimer's–never complaining; always loving her unconditionally.
After she passed, he had a heart for those who were going through the
same thing. He often offered to take meals, or go and stay with those
who were sick, so those caring for them could have some respite. He
also loved his church, Flint River Baptist, in Hazel Green. He had
many close friends he made through his Sunday School Class there.
He often spoke of how much he enjoyed their breakfasts and
get-togethers, and the support and encouragement those men provided him
through the years. He especially loved the church's ministry of
delivering meals to those who could not be there in person.
Dan was an incredibly hard worker and instilled a great work ethnic not
only in his children, but also in his grandchildren. Those who worked
with him through the years have commented about how much he taught them,
but also how he demonstrated leadership through serving, never asking
anyone to do anything he wouldn't do himself.
He was extremely active even until the end of his life. He was always on
the go, going for a walk, visiting with friends, shopping around for the
best prices, or as he would say "makin his rounds".
Dan loved his family more than anything in the world. He especially
enjoyed time with his family here in Huntsville. He would often be
found at Mike and Jackie's home for family dinners, holidays, and
birthday celebrations. He enjoyed many Saturday breakfasts at Jeremy and
Katherine house; with Lainey provided the entertainment. He also loved visiting
with Ryan and his girlfriend, Jill.
Dan was a nurturer of relationships. He always kept up with people no
matter where they lived. Even though Angie and her family lived in
Texas all of these years, when he couldn't visit, he made sure he
stayed close with them through letters, phone calls and texts. He loved
talking to his grandchildren and would call and ask them about what was
going on in their lives. He loved hearing about Josh's girlfriend,
Allee, and thought she was just the sweetest girl. Emma loved talking to
her papaw and he was always interested in hearing about her basketball
games and track meets, or whatever she was doing at the time. Josh and
Emma always knew they were loved.
Dan also enjoyed spending time with his dear friend, Frieda Sadler, and
her sweet children, Angie, Debbie, and Don, Jr. Dan and Frieda had lots
of adventures and fun times together. The Sadler family included Dan in
their lives, and brought a lot of joy to his.
Dan's wife's family became his own early on, and they were
especially close to Elaine's nephews, John Akins and Jim Craig. John
and his wife, Mary, currently live in Southport, North Carolina. Jim and
his wife, Carol, live in Chattanooga, Tennessee. They have two children,
Jay and Scott, who are both married with children. Dan found a lot of love
and support in both of these relationships.
Dan also kept in touch with his brother, Ben, who lives in Hixon,
Tennessee. They have remained close over the years through phone
conversations and visits.
Above all, Dan was a man of faith. He was a humble man. He
thought of others more highly than himself. He admitted when he was
wrong or made mistakes. And he was always willing to change. Through
the years, he sought the Lord more on his own, and studied the Word more
and more. He has drawn strength and comfort from God, especially
through these last few weeks. One of his last requests to his children
was that they promise him that his children, grandchildren, and their
children to come, would know about the Lord. He would want you to know
Him as well. His Savior. His purpose in life. And the One who will
receive all the glory in his dying. Jesus. "... who is, and who was,
and who is to come." Revelation 1:4
The family will receive friends beginning at 3:00 PM on Thursday, June 23rd at Flint River Baptist Church, 12945 Highway 231/431 Hazel Green. Celebration Of Life will follow with Pastor Danny Smith officiating.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Flint River Baptist Church.