He had a voice that could soothe you. And a handshake that could crush you. He had a devotion to his faith that could lift you. And a stature that could protect you.
William M. McCarty, Sr. will be remembered by VACo in a variety of ways because he was a man of many wonderful angles.
As Pastor McCarty of Healing Waters Worship Center – he served the Carrollton community in Isle of Wight County for more than 25 years. Some members of his congregation shared their thoughts on Pastor McCarty’s Facebook page.
“(God) has truly called a good man home.”
“Pastor McCarty my heart is broken, you were on my father’s death bed to provide comfort as he was crossing onto the other side, I thank you very much for that and I would hope that somebody would keep me company before I pass through to the other side just like you did for my father.”
“We will forever remember you marrying Joe and I and laughing as my dad tripped on my dress.”
“You were one of the kindest people I ever met. My family was so thankful to have you by our side when we lost dad.”
“There’s a little less light in the world without you in it.”
“Fly high. Your work down here is done.”
Here at VACo – we knew him best as Supervisor McCarty and VACo President-Elect McCarty representing Isle of Wight County with a passion and a fight.
Supervisor McCarty was recently elected to a third term, representing District 2. During his first two terms, among his many accomplishments, Supervisor McCarty fought to keep taxes low, helped reduce stormwater fees by 25 percent, increased funding for volunteer and rescue squads, added more than a dozen Sheriff’s deputies to the county, and provided pay raises for teachers and first responders. His top priority was ensuring that Isle of Wight County provide the best opportunities for the next generation to succeed. Supervisor McCarty loved serving his community.
As VACo President-Elect McCarty – he often gave the invocation before meals and was a well-respected voice in an organization filled with leaders. He spoke zealously about education funding, and rural and agricultural issues. VACo Executive Director Dean Lynch expressed how we all felt in an email to the Board of Directors.
“We will greatly miss William and the many contributions he made—not only to VACo, but to all Virginia counties and to the community he served so passionately. Please keep William’s family, friends, and colleagues in your thoughts during this difficult time.”
But perhaps the greatest way he gave back in his life was as Husband McCarty (to Amanda), Father McCarty (to William Jr. and Elizabeth), PAPPY McCarty, Son McCarty, and Brother McCarty. He spread much devotion throughout the Isle of Wight community. But it was easy to see that he had no greater love than the one for his family. His daughter Elizabeth expressed that mutual affection when she wished Father McCarty a Happy Birthday last October 11.
“I couldn’t let the day end without wishing this Diddy of mine a Happy Birthday. Thank you for all you do, all you are, and all the joy you bring. I love you so so much. ”
Rest easy William M. McCarty, Sr. We will remember you and the many ways you gave of yourself to those who needed it.
“We have accomplished a lot over the last 8 years, but there is always more work to be done as we must ensure that all well done is preserved in any forward motion. There are moments when we do not always see eye-to-eye. Still, I will remain a visible and viable leader that this County can trust. My door is open, and I meet regularly with citizens, take numerous calls throughout the week, answer countless emails, and attend multiple meetings at the State, regional, and local levels representing our citizens. I value being an accessible representative and leader.”
-William M. McCarty, Sr.