Thomas Martin “Marty” Carr, Jr. of Oxford, MS, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, November 11, 2024, after a short but brave battle with neuromuscular disease. His family loved him dearly, and he is greatly missed.
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31
Marty was born in Memphis, TN on December 21, 1947, to Thomas Martin Carr, Sr. and Joan O’Hearne Carr. At a young age, Marty and his family moved to Greenville, MS, where he attended St. Joseph Catholic School. Upon graduation, Marty earned his Bachelor of Science degree at Christian Brothers University and then his medical degree at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine.
Marty practiced medicine for 44 years, board-certified in both Emergency Medicine and Internal Medicine. He spent the last 32 years of his career working in the Methodist Hospital System, caring for thousands of patients, collaborating with hundreds of colleagues, and forming lifelong friendships. Marty retired in 2018 after serving the Methodist Hospital System as Medical Director of the Emergency Medicine Department. He was forever grateful to the Methodist Hospital System for allowing him the opportunity to serve the Mid-South community.
Though a dedicated physician, Marty’s primary focus was always his family. He and his wife Candice raised three sons. He coached many tee-ball and soccer teams, took his sons to watch the Showboats play, and joined his children on their Boy Scout adventures. Marty loved camping with BSA Troop 34, and some of his fondest memories were made at the Philmont Scout Ranch. The Chickasaw Council BSA recognized his commitment to Scouting with the Silver Bear award. Later in life, Marty was a devoted grandfather to eight grandchildren who knew him as Buzz. Marty and his grandchildren loved watching movies, playing board games, and traveling on fun adventures.
While living in Memphis, Marty worshipped and fellowshipped at Grace St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. He loved sharing a good meal with friends, particularly one involving Memphis barbeque or a rare steak. Marty loved Ole Miss sports, and he enjoyed watching his team with his family at Vaught-Hemingway stadium and Swayze Field. Marty spent countless hours reading, especially military history, on the porch of his Monteagle Sunday School Assembly cottage. He enjoyed fishing in the Florida Keys, a stout cigar, and a witty pun. Marty won countless rounds of Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune from the armchair in his living room.
Marty was preceded in death by his parents. He will always be remembered affectionately by his wife Candice; his sons Thomas Martin Carr III (Trey) and his wife Anne of Lookout Mountain, TN; Christopher and his wife Tiffany of Dallas, TX; Patrick and his wife Shellie of Oxford, MS; grandchildren Julia, Caroline, Francie, Catherine, Mary Alex, Margaret, Thomas IV, and Bailey; and his three sisters Mary Jeanne Bouton (Joe) of Athens, GA, Gail Overby (David) of Ridgeland, MS, and Norma Ruff (Phil) of Tupelo, MS.
The family will be forever grateful to his caregivers Mirt, Yolanda, Patsy, Simone, Clata, Otisha and Mary.
A memorial service will be held in the future with interment in the Monteagle Assembly Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Methodist Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center in Memphis, the University of Mississippi School of Medicine Student Benevolence Fund, or a charity of your choice. Marty would also want you to enjoy a Cuban cigar and go fishing with a friend.
