Michael (Carey) McCarey Harper

   Michael “Carey” McCarey Harper was born on August 27, 1946, in Lafayette, Alabama. He lived a life full of love, laughter, and music. Carey passed away on February 11, 2026, at St. Francis Hospital in Columbus, Georgia, surrounded by the people who meant the most to him. He will be remembered for his kind heart and the joy he brought to everyone who knew him.

   Carey is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Carol Meadows Harper. Together, they shared a life full of laughter and love, bringing their families together and building a blended family after their children were grown. He was a proud father to Karen Weisenburger (Tom), Brandi Moore (Chris), and Tanya Smallwood (Sandy). He is also survived by his brother, Greg Harper (Sharon).

   Carey was especially proud of his grandchildren. Known as “Pop” to Sydney Grace Weisenburger and Jackson Weisenburger, and “Paw Paw” to Montana Colley, Canyon Jones, and Braxton Ledbetter, one of his greatest joys was being a grandfather. He was blessed to be a great-grandfather to Baylor Colley, Ashton Colley, and Preston Colley. He was also a loving uncle to Tristan James.

   Before retiring, Carey spent many years driving a bread truck for Merita, Sunbeam, and Colonial Bread. He was dependable, hardworking, and enjoyed seeing the familiar faces on his route each day.

   Outside of work, Carey loved playing his steel guitar. He played at local gigs on Monday and Tuesday nights and could fill a room with country music for hours. He was a loyal New York Yankees fan and proudly hated the Atlanta Braves. He also enjoyed playing golf on crisp mornings. And if there was time for a good afternoon nap, he never passed that up either. Carey also loved to dance, often leading the way with quick steps and an infectious smile. In the evenings, he enjoyed watching his favorite shows, including The Andy Griffith Show and Gunsmoke, finding comfort in the familiar rhythms of Mayberry and the wild west.

   Carey also enjoyed getting away on trips to the beach and the mountains. He loved relaxing by the ocean or spending time in the mountains, enjoying the fresh air and being outdoors. These trips were some of his favorite ways to unwind with Carol.

   Carey was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Annie Pearl Harper, his sister Debbie Belcher, and his brother Waymon Harper. He was known for his kindness, his caring nature, and the way he could make ordinary days brighter for the people around him. His love for family and friends was at the center of everything he did, and his gentle spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

   Carey’s story is one of a life well-lived and well-loved. He will be remembered for the joy he brought to others, his love of family, music, and the simple pleasures in life. Though we say goodbye, his spirit and the memories of him will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. There will never be another one like him.

   Funeral services for Carey will be held on Sunday, February 15th, 2026, at 2:30 PM (EST) at the Johnson Brown-Service Chapel in Valley, Alabama. Interment will follow in Harmony Memorial Park Cemetery. Chaplin Greg Harper will officiate. Carey’s family will receive friends for visitation Saturday evening at Johnson Brown-Service from 6:00 to 8:00 PM (EST).

   Please visit Carey’s Memorial Tribute page at www.johnsonbrownservicefh.com to leave a kind word for his family, to share a memory of Carey, or to light a Remembrance Candle in his memory.

   Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home of Valley directing.

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