Mike was born on November 26, 1945, to Nute and Lavada McCarty. His childhood revolved around horses, ropes, and countless adventures playing "Cowboys and Indians," memories he loved sharing throughout his life.
Mike often joked that before marriage he was "young, single, riding bulls, and having fun." Everything changed when he met and married Lynda Cothren on March 1, 1968, and they shared 58 wonderful years together.
Their daughter, Julie, was born on January 30, 1970, and remained his "Babygirl" until the very end. Their son, Jeffrey, arrived on November 25, 1975, just one day before Mike's 30th birthday, a gift he treasured.
Mike built lasting friendships throughout his life and employment years at Halliburton and Garvin County District 3. He loved the work, the stories, and especially the people he worked alongside. Yet no title brought him greater joy than becoming "Gramps."
His first granddaughter, Annie, was born on December 5, 2000. She remembers Gramps as someone who never missed a dance recital and who showed his love simply by always being there. Her favorite memory is dancing with him at her wedding, something outside his comfort zone, which made it even more special and a day she will never forget.
His second granddaughter, Lanie, was born on September 8, 2002. Lovingly referred to as his "Bitty-Little," she shared a special bond with Gramps, going to the movies, watching baseball, reading history books, and listening to music together. He attended softball games, taught her to drive, and never failed to keep her laughing.
His only grandson, John Michael, was born on September 22, 2005. He fondly remembers fishing trips in Gramps' old Chevy pickup they nicknamed "Hot Rod," driving dirt roads together, and the countless jokes and playful pranks like coming into their room at bedtime to scare them; Gramps made even ordinary days unforgettable and had a gift for turning life's simplest moments into lasting memories.
His youngest granddaughter, Landrie, was born on October 5, 2010. She cherished the afternoons he picked her up from school, singing along to songs he didn't know, playing tic-tac-toe with her from his recliner. She knew every moment they spent together was filled with his whole heart and she will forever be his "Pee Wee."
Mike's greatest legacy is the love he poured into his wife, children, grandchildren, family, and friends. During his 80 years, he filled the lives of those around him with laughter, kindness, unforgettable stories, and a sense of joy that will live on for generations.
Mike was preceded in death by his brother, Larry McCarty, and his parents, Nute and Lavada McCarty. He is survived by his wife, Lynda (Cothren) McCarty of the home; daughter Julie and husband, Mike Rose of Corinth, TX; son Jeff McCarty and wife, Tracy of Pauls Valley, OK; his grandchildren, Annie (Rose) Carrell and husband, Zach of Waco, TX; Lanie McCarty of Pauls Valley; John Michael Rose of Corinth, TX; and Landrie McCarty of Pauls Valley; Sister, Tina Hume of Pauls Valley, Oklahoma.
In keeping with his wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. Instead, family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation to celebrate his life, share memories, and honor the legacy.
Family has chosen to accept friends on Thursday, August 6, 2026 from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM. Cremation services are under the direction of Wooster Funeral Home.