George Junior McCarley

In Loving Memory of George Junior McCarley

May 8, 1940 – October 26, 2025

George Junior McCarley, beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend, passed peacefully from this life, leaving behind a legacy of family, friendships, a giving heart and strong work ethics.

Born in Sallisaw, Oklahoma, on May 8, 1940, to George W. and Ell McCarley, George Jr. was one of ten children raised in farming. Around his seventh birthday, the family moved to McCrory, Arkansas, where George learned the value of hard work, perseverance and teamwork while helping farm strawberries, cotton, soybeans and rice alongside his siblings.

At eighteen, George moved to Little Rock to begin a new chapter. It was there, while working at the Crystal Cafe, that he met the love of his life, Lucy McDonald. They married July 28, 1961 and began raising three children: Steve, Sherry, and Jim. George transitioned from the restaurant world to a long and respected career at Southern Paper Box, later known as Old Dominion Company. Over 37 years, he became known not only for his machinist skills in creating nested gift boxes for retailers across the country, but also for his leadership, loyalty and integrity. His dedication was honored with a plaque that symbolized the pride he took in his work and the respect he earned from his peers. Never one to sit still, George also worked part-time at Salute Fine Wines, a retail customer service position that turned into a 40 year journey filled with friendships and community. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life: dining with his family/celebrating birthdays together, watching his 7 grandchildren/ 6 great grandchildren grow up, cheering on the Razorbacks, casting a fishing line into the water, listening to classic country music, and watching the horses run at Oaklawn Park. He’s known by his friends as “Lucky” for his picks of the horses.

Survivors include children: Steven McCarley (Laura), Sherry Lee (Jeffrey), James McCarley (Erin); grandchildren: Jessica Jackson (Brian), Matthew McCarley (Sarah), Michelle Davis (Allen), Rachel Smothers (Wynrick), Clara McCarley, Thomas McCarley, and Teresa McCarley; great-grandchildren: Charlotte Jackson, Harper Jackson, Gray McCarley, Jack Davis, Molly Davis and Leila Smothers; siblings: Robert McCarley, Mary “Janice” Doyle, Lena Mae “Sue” Stamps (Joe), and Juanita Blair (Clinton “Bert”). 

He was preceded in death by his parents George W. & Ell McCarley; siblings: Luve England (Ernest), Lovada McCarley, Bruce McCarley, Charlie Wayne McCarley, Frankie Eugene McCarley, and sister-in-law Delora McCarley.

Rest well George Junior McCarley. Your race is run, your work is done, and your love for helping family and community lives on.