Jimmie Don Carney

Jimmie Don Carney, born at home on September 15, 1934 in Collinsville, Texas, was called Home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, December 2, 2020. Jimmie Don Carney, known as Don, Dad, Daddy, Grand Doodle, Grandpa, Grandpa Dinosaur and Uncle Don, leaves an indelible mark on all those who knew him. At 86 years young, Don Carney, the gentle giant of faith, kindness, humor, hard work and consistent love will be missed by all who were privileged to know him. Jimmie Don Carney, known as Don Carney, married the love of his life, Doris Glyn Salling on September 9, 1955. During their life together, 65 years of adventure, they worked through and celebrated many amazing times. After Don was drafted to serve his country, the early years took them to Tacoma, Washington where Don served as Private First Class in the United States Army. There in Washington they had their first child, Donna Catherine Carney, before returning home to Texas. In Arlington, Texas, Doris and Don welcomed a second child -another beautiful daughter, Debra Leigh Carney. The girls were the light in his life! He adored his girls! In 1976, Donna presented Don with a precious grandson, Jason Whisenant who quickly became Don’s running buddy and his “Say Hey Boy!” From then on Don became Jason’s Grand Doodle. During the early 1960’s Don’s love of music and his ability to play the guitar brought friends and family to many pickin’ and grinning sessions. He even joined up with his beloved sister-in-law, Sandra Salling, in jam sessions of great fun and terrific music, only to be relegated to the garage because of the loud “good time” being had by all. In the late 1960’s Don Carney Construction, Inc. became a reality and a viable name in the utility construction industry in North Texas. No matter where you look, family members can say with pride, “Don Carney is responsible for building that!” His work is notable in North Texas including Arlington, River Oaks, and surrounding municipalities in the utility infrastructure! Don employed most, if not all of his daughters’ boyfriends, a dozen nephews and church members, his brother Johnny, and even his own daddy Trude Carney. Not only did Don Carney have a work ethic beyond compare, but he was also a man of faith. He worked hard and prayed hard. He was a faithful and active member of the Cooper Street Church of Christ that moved to and became the California Lane Church of Christ. Don loved to serve the Lord. Don could be seen trimming hedges, weed eating or any kind of facility care for the Lord’s house where he and his family worshipped. On Sundays he was often known to give the announcements and participate in the Lord’s Supper offering prayer in such a spiritual and meaningful way. Don Carney was genuine – authentic in every way. His niece Deidre Dobbins says, “My Uncle Don used his talents and his hands to build things, repair things, make music and love people. He served. He served his family. If any of us needed help with anything, he was there. He served his church. He kept it looking nice and in good order. He served the congregation. He delivered prayer and the Lord’s Supper. He served his God. He did this by loving all people without judgement and lots of grace. Uncle Don accepted anyone who was in his presence. He listened and paid close attention to people and what they had to say.” Don loved to visit and had a great sense of humor and told many fun and funny stories – stories that were made better with a Don Carney giggle and his sheepish grin. He loved children and they all loved him. He could be quiet sometimes, but when he did speak, everyone listened. He loved eating anything that Doris made for him. Don loved playing cards with his family anytime they could or would. Don usually let Doris or Donna win. He would just grin at Larry Patterson and let his ladies win. He loved playing and listening to live music. He cherished each concert of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra at Bass Hall and any group or musician playing at the Arlington Theater. Don and his family attended over 100 live concerts together. Don was a member of the CB Radio Club and his handle was Key Ring. This started years of fun and wonderful memories with the Brunson family. He was a member of the Elks Lodge in Arlington, and loved to dance on Friday night with Doris, Donna, and Debra. All knew Don to be dependable – a “rock”- constant and fair. He could often be seen tinkering in the garage, at the Church, or at Sandra’s house. He loved to watch the Texas Rangers with his daughter Debra. Don never missed a dance recital, football game or softball game. He loved going fishing and boating with Doris and his girls. Don loved to go on cruises with his family and friends and was known for taking over the entertainment on board. His grandson Jason would take requests and sing for his grandpa and family. He was simply the Best Husband, Daddy, and Grandpa Ever! In Don Carney’s retirement he learned to play the steel guitar and joined the esteemed and legendary Back-Porch Band. This family band was known to entertain family and friends often. A few private sessions of steel guitar tips and tricks were shared with Doyle Grisham who plays for Jimmy Buffet – what a highlight of fun. Some of this music can be found on Facebook. Don Carney was an extraordinary man. He truly lived the light of the Lord by always giving and helping others. He is preceded in death by his parents Trude and Ruby Carney, and siblings Jack Carney, Johnny Carney and his sister Lois Carney Mitchell. His surviving siblings are Nelda Carney Davis and husband Jackie, Kathleen Carney Groves and husband James, Patsy Carney Wester and husband Don, Glenda Carney Dalby, and Robby Carney Hart, and sister-in-law Nita Carney, and there are over one hundred Carney cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews whom Don loved. Don is survived by his beloved bride of 65 years Doris Salling Carney, daughter Donna Carney Patterson and husband Larry and Debra Carney all of Arlington, Texas. Don’s one grandson Jason Whisenant and Traci Saldivar of Arlington, Shawna Jones Inman of Colorado, Jennifer and Ted Kojak of California are surviving grandchildren along with great grandchildren Brittany, Joshua, Katie, Emma, Sophia, and Caroline all living out of state. Don is survived by Salling cousins, nieces, a nephew, great nieces and great nephews who counted Don Carney as the dependable, loving male role model whom they idolized and loved. Don had and claimed family that he loved from Texas to Paris, France. Don Carney touched the lives of many – many who think of him as “dad” “daddy” “grandfather” “great grandfather” “uncle” “brother” and “friend” … what a legacy he leaves and extraordinary footsteps to follow. Don Carney was a friend to all that knew him. At 86 years young Don still moved with grace and purpose. If Don knew you then he loved you. Don is survived by many lifelong friends and brothers and sisters in Christ. Don Carney gave the best hugs. Due to the pandemic and the restrictions on gatherings, the family will hold a private graveside service at the DFW National Cemetery on Friday, December 11th at 2:30 p.m. Wade’s Funeral Home will be live streaming the service Wade Family Funeral Home FaceBook page. The family will hold a memorial to honor Don when all can attend safely and stay healthy as Don Carney would want.