Joe Arthur McCary, 93, of Shelbyville, Texas, passed away on December 26, 2017 in Center. He was born on December 3, 1924 in Shelby County to John and Sarah Chambliss then lovingly adopted by John French McCary and Alice Huntington McCary. Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM on Friday, December 29, 2017 at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. James Risinger and Bro. Son Windham officiating. Interment will follow at Rather Cemetery.

A visitation will be from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Friday, December 29, 2017 at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel.

After serving in the United States Army in World War II, Joe moved to Houston working for the City of Houston water department while also owning and operating McCary Furniture and Appliance. After retiring, he came back to East Texas and settled here with his family. He was one of the hardest working men around. He was the owner of Patroon Concrete and took great pride in his work. Joe was also a lover of people and people loved him equally in return. He enjoyed visiting with anyone that wanted to take the time to talk. On any day of the week, you could stop by and find Joe in the front porch swing or walking in the pasture. Those peaceful moments outdoors were some of his favorite. Baby and Bitty, his sweet feline friends, were sure to be close to his side. Joe was known for being a great craftsman, and he loved traveling to flea markets to sell his creations, especially his swings. Joe was a good provider for his family and made sure they had whatever they needed.

Joe is survived by his daughters, Barbara Risinger and husband, James of Goober Hill, Ruthie Folsom and husband, Wayne of Center, and Rhonda McSwain of Center; step-sons, Johnnie Ponder and wife, Flordelis of Rockwall, Clifford Ponder of Dallas, and Tom Ponder and wife, Delicia of Lewisville; grandchildren, Mark Jackson, David Jackson and wife, Christy, Cody Folsom, Casie Windham and husband, Landon, Ashton Askew and husband, John, Roscoe McSwain, Jr. and wife, Ronna, Bryan Ponder, Michael Ponder and Kristina Petralia; great-grandchildren, Lane and Madison Jackson, Dawson and Ethan Jackson, Allie Windham, Annistyn McSwain, Lemley Folsom and John Camden Askew; and special friend, Maggie Hudson and her granddaughter, Liberty.

He is preceded in death by his wives, Martha Luman McCary and Mildred Chandler McCary; parents, John and Alice McCary; and four brothers.

Pallbearers will be Mark Jackson, Lane Jackson, Landon Windham, John Askew, Cody Folsom, and David Jackson.

Honorary pallbearers are Dawson Jackson, Ethan Jackson, Kenneth Hardy, Jimmy Strong, Johnny Covington, and Paul Birdwell.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Rather Cemetery. The family is being served by Mangum Funeral Home in Center. To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net.