Joseph (Joe) McCarty, 79, of Newton, NC, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 12, 2021 at Carolina Caring Hospice Care.  Joe was born in Darby, PA and was the son of the late Charles and Margaret McCarty. He was the loving and devoted husband to Anne (Louden) who were married for 56 years.  

Joe spent 21 years in the United States Air Force as an F4 Phantom II fighter jet navigator, completing one tour of duty in the Vietnam war. When his flying career ended he moved onto engineering and other support roles within the USAF. Throughout his career Joe was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with two oak leaf clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal with eight oak leaf clusters, and the AF Commendation Medal among others. After retiring from the Air Force at Eglin Air Force Base in Fort Walton Beach, FL, he worked as an Engineer and Program Manager for various defense contractors in the Southern Maryland and Washington D.C. area.  Joe obtained a BA in Psychology from La Salle University, an MA in Psychology from Fordham University, and an MA in Systems Management while in the Air Force. He was a voracious reader, an avid exerciser, and enjoyed completing crossword puzzles.  He was an intellectually curious person who always enjoyed learning new things. 

In addition to his wife, he will be missed by his children: Chris (Leslie), Susan Davis, Justine Brannon, and Gavin (Kristin), sisters: Loretta Steuer and Peggy Long, grandchildren: Hayden Galbreath (Jimmy), Trent McCarty, Julie Davis, Shawn Davis, Jack Davis, Tyler Brannon, William McCarty, and Caroline McCarty, and 4 great grandchildren: Holden, Gray, Finlynd, and Emmie Rose.  He was proceeded in death by his brother Donald McCarty.

Per Joe’s request, no funeral services are planned at this time.  A memorial marker will be placed in Arlington National cemetery to honor his life.  The family asks those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to the American Diabetes Association or their favorite charity in his name.