Michael Alan McCarty

Michael Alan McCarty, 72, passed away unexpectedly on August 19, 2026. He was born on July 25, 1954, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Mary Maher McCarty and was raised by Vaughan McCarty. Michael was one of nine children in a blended family and grew up surrounded by siblings who would remain an important part of his life.

At 19 years old, Michael made his way to Texas, a place that would ultimately become home. Throughout his life, he lived in several Texas communities and spent time in Southern California, moving between Texas and California more than once. No matter where life took him, though, he always seemed to find his way back to Denton, Texas. Denton was home.

Michael spent more than 25 years working in the grocery industry, where he held supervisory positions at several stores, including Food Lion in Denton, Lucky Food Stores in Buena Park, California, Sack and Save in Denton, Minyard Food Stores in Coppell, Sprouts Farmers Market in Carrollton, and WinCo Foods in Lewisville. He also spent several years in automobile sales with Toyota, but the grocery business was where he truly belonged.

Those who knew Michael knew there was much more to him than his career. He was an intelligent man with a strong mind, strong opinions, and an equally strong stubborn streak. Once Michael had made up his mind, there wasn't much sense in trying to change it. He didn't have much tolerance for foolishness and certainly wasn't one to put up with anyone's nonsense. Yet beneath that stubborn exterior was a man with an enormous heart who loved his family deeply.

Michael had a mischievous spirit that followed him throughout his life. He was a bit of a troublemaker in his younger years, and while he may have grown wiser with age, he never completely lost that playful side. As he liked to prove, he simply got smarter about not getting caught. His sense of humor and infectious laugh could light up a room, and those who knew him will remember that laugh for years to come.

Family meant everything to Michael. He loved his siblings deeply. Like all brothers and sisters, they had their disagreements and sibling tiffs over the years, but at the end of the day, they were there for one another. Their bond, their love, and their willingness to support each other remained.

Michael also took great pride in being a Godfather to many of his nieces and nephews. To him, being a Godfather was not simply a title—it was an honor and a responsibility that he took seriously. He made a point of checking in on the people he loved, sometimes calling just for five minutes to say hello, ask how everyone was doing, and remind them, “I'm just thinking of you, and I love you.”

He had a special place in his heart for his nieces and nephews, particularly those who lived nearby. He was especially close to his niece Candice and his niece Amanda, and he loved hearing about their families and the young boys in their lives. Anyone who received one of Michael's phone calls knew that he was likely to ask about everyone he loved before talking about himself. His family will forever remember the way he cared enough to simply check in.

Michael's best friend, Mark Woodman, was another constant throughout his life. The two grew up together in Oklahoma City and, remarkably, both eventually made their way to Texas and spent most of their lives in the same metroplex. Their friendship spanned decades and was filled with memories, adventures, laughter, and a lifetime of stories. Michael also attended church with Mark on many occasions, sharing yet another part of life with a friend who had been beside him for so many years.

Michael had many passions, but music held a particularly special place in his heart. He loved music from many genres and generations, with The Beatles and Michael Jackson among his favorites. His extensive album collection was something he treasured, and his love for music was evident in the way he talked about it. He had a particular fondness for baby grand pianos and, before his passing, had hoped to finally learn to play. Although he never had the opportunity to fulfill that dream, his love of music will remain part of the memories he left behind.

He also loved going to the movies and was perfectly happy to go by himself. He loved to cook and would often call his family to tell them what he was making and how much he was looking forward to eating it. He enjoyed finding a good breakfast spot, sitting down to a meal served on a hot plate, and striking up a conversation with a server he had inevitably befriended. He had a love for good cologne, name-brand clothing, good food, movies, and his beloved Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers.

And then there were Holly and Bentley—Michael's two beloved dachshunds and his prized companions. They were far more than pets; they were his best friends and his constant companions. They were his pride and joy and meant the world to him. Anyone who knew Michael knew that Holly and Bentley were family, too.

Michael's final months were not easy. He had faced health struggles throughout his life, and in his last few months those challenges became increasingly difficult. Even while struggling, however, Michael continued to reach out to the people he loved. He continued making his calls, checking on his family and friends, and making sure those around him knew that he loved them. His passing came unexpectedly, and although he had been dealing with health issues, those who loved him still felt there was more time—more conversations to have, more meals to share, more movies to watch, more memories to make.

That is the difficult truth of losing someone we love: we always believe there will be more time.

Michael leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a family who loved him dearly. He is survived by his siblings Cheryl Bancroft and her husband Gary, David McCarty and his wife Diane, and Bill McCarty and his wife Euwanna, Toni Hamblet and her husband Warren; his nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, extended family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his dear friend Mark Woodman, and many other friends and loved ones whose lives he touched. He was preceded in death by his siblings Nadine Wellner, Patrick McCarty, Timothy McCarty, and Kathy Evans.

A Celebration of Life honoring Michael will be held on at 11:00am on Saturday September, 26th 2026

First Christian Church

274 S. Waco St.

Van Alstyne, TX 75495

Michael was one of a kind. He could be stubborn, opinionated, mischievous, funny, loving, and fiercely devoted to the people and things he cared about. He was not a person who could easily be replaced, because there will never be another Uncle Mike.

Those who loved him will miss his infectious laugh. They will miss the phone calls just to check in. They will miss sitting in a room with him and talking about absolutely anything. They will miss hearing him ask, “How's Mr. Riley?” They will miss his stories, his opinions, his humor, his music, his dogs, and all the little pieces of everyday life that made him who he was.

Most of all, they will miss simply having him here.

Michael may be gone, but the love he gave, the memories he created, and the lives he touched will remain with those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Rest easy, Uncle Mike. You were truly one of a kind, and you will be deeply missed.