CAREY JAMES CALDWELL SR.

In the grand kitchen of life, our beloved brother Carey James Caldwell Sr. retired as head chef on November 3, 2024, at the savory age of 61. Whipping up love and laughter with his CRAMAZING culinary skills, he was known for turning even the simplest ingredients into gourmet masterpieces. He seasoned our lives with kindness, humor, and a dash of mischief. His legacy is a recipe of inspiration, reminding us that the secret ingredient to a life well-lived is a generous heart and a playful spirit. As we remember him, we celebrate a life that was as rich and flavorful as his signature dishes, leaving us all with a taste of his boundless love and joy. Shabba was the tasteful son of the late Pastor Myrtle R. Carlton and Jimmy Perkins (Barbara). He was a devoted brother, great-uncle, uncle, and grandfather, whose presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Carey was preceded in death by his mother, Pastor Myrtle R. Carlton, step-father Rhonda Carlton, brothers Pervis Carlton, Donnie Caldwell and Jimmy "Boog" Perkins Jr. (Sharonda), sister Veronda Carlton, and nephews Wezley Tugman, Dustin Horton and Tylik Banner. Despite these losses, Carey remained a pillar of strength and love for his family.

Known for his exceptional culinary skills, Carey had a nurturing spirit that extended well beyond family. His kind heart and playful sense of humor brought joy to many. He found happiness in cooking, football, basketball, music, and playing cards.

Carey is survived by his children, Carey James Caldwell Jr. and Franceska Caldwell, grandchildren DeAndre Caldwell, Shylan Caldwell, Colten Caldwell, all of Lenoir, NC. He also leaves behind brothers, Rodney Carlton, Dean Carlton, Brandon Carlton (Desha) of Boomer, NC, and Michael Perkins of Seattle, WA, sisters, Dwenda Horton (Harold) and LaRhonda Carlton of Lenoir, NC, Crystal Davis (Byron) of Charlotte, NC, Dimenya Johnson (O'Shea) of Valdese, NC, and Janie "Tonya" Perkins of Winston Salem, NC.

A memorial service to celebrate Carey's life will be held on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at 3 PM, in the chapel of McCain Funeral Home and Crematory with Pastor Terry Hunt officiating. His legacy of culinary excellence will forever be remembered by those who had the privilege of dining with him.

The service will be livestreamed on the McCain Funeral Home & Cremations Facebook page and YouTube Channel; the links are found below:

McCain Funeral Home & Cremations Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/mccainfuneralhome/

McCain Funeral Home & Cremations YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu4qb7IT7sO-Kc0BRs05J-A