Tony W. Carrick, 84, of Shelbyville, passed away on Monday, March 6, 2023 at Southern Tennessee Regional Hospital in Winchester after extended health challenges.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Harvey W. and Jessie S. Carrick, and three brothers Burlie, Howard, and Terry. Born premature at a mere 2 lbs. on December 15, 1938, his will to survive, persevere, and succeed was ever present throughout his life. He spent his formative years on his father’s dairy farm off Highway 231 N. and Minkslide Road. Tony graduated from Shelbyville Central High School in May 1956, and married his wife of 66 years Linda J. (Averiett) on July 2.
He served the community of Bedford County and greater area in the Tennessee National Guard, Bedford County Sheriff’s Department as a deputy, and the Bedford County Emergency Medical Service as an EMT, while continuing to farm on his days off.
Tony’s intellectual interests were wide and varied. He designed and built his home on Highway 231 North, could diagnose and repair anything, and had a breadth of intellectual knowledge and curiosity which was impressive. Generous with this love, time, and resources, Tony was a man of the people and loved by all who knew him. His grandson once wondered if he was a celebrity as he couldn’t go anywhere in town without someone talking to him.
He was a father of three: Mark (Diane S.), Lisha Bargers (Mark T.), and Shawn Gentry (David F.) all of Shelbyville, nine grandchildren (Jessie, Andrew, Kristin, Rachel, Kendall, Hannah, Morgan, Benjamin, and Haley), and nine great children (Layla, Braxton, Tyner, Parker, Ashlynn, James, Audrey, Nora, Wyatt, and Anaiah).
Tony will be cremated, per his wishes, and will be interred at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens at a service for immediate family at a later date.
Feldhaus Memorial Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.
