J. R. "Smoky" Caraway

J. R. “Smoky” Caraway, 89, of Drexel, NC went to his Heavenly home on Friday, February 20, 2015. Born in Yancey County, NC on December 12, 1925, he was the son of the late Robert Roscoe Caraway and Reba Henson Caraway.  Smoky was a charter member of Drexel Memorial Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and sang in the choir.  J.R. retired from Drexel Heritage as a master carver where he earned his nickname.  He was an avid golfer and snooker player, and he loved to bake red velvet cakes.  Smoky’s favorite activity was going to his grandchildren’s ballgames.

J. R. is survived by his children, Cindy Keys and her husband, David, of Drexel, Jackie Charlet of Morganton, NC, and Lisa McCormick and her husband, James, of Glen Alpine, NC; eight grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; the mother of his children, Carolyn Beck; a brother, Carmel “Mutt” Caraway; and a sister, Beulah Dean Huskins.

In addition to his parents, Smoky was preceded in death by a daughter, Debra Denise Caraway; a son-in-law, Tommy Charlet; brothers, Sylvester and Seagle Caraway; and a sister, Estella Buck.

The funeral will be held at 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at Drexel Memorial Baptist Church with the Reverends Drew Dalton and Gary Garner officiating.  Burial will follow in Drexel Memorial Park.  The family will receive friends at the church from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Drexel Memorial Baptist Church, P.O. Box 638, Drexel, NC 28619.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.