Harold James McCarty, Sr., affectionately known as “Bigfoot,” passed away peacefully at his residence in Fitzgerald, Georgia, on August 11, 2026, at the age of 69.

Memorial services will be held 4 PM, Friday, August 14, 2026, at the Paulk Funeral Home Chapel with Tim Musgrove officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Harold was born on September 11, 1956, in Plant City, Florida. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. Known to many as “Bigfoot,” Harold was a hardworking man who dedicated more than 20 years of service to The City of Fitzgerald. His strong work ethic, generous heart, and unmistakable personality left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Harold is survived by his loving wife, Karen McCarty; daughters and their husbands, Jackie and Adam Harper and Jessica Lynn and John Hayes.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Jessica Ann Hayes and fiancé Clayton Clay; Jessie Gegenheimer and husband Daniel Gegenheimer; Alexie Hayes and significant other Hunter Aldridge; Jaidyn Zeigler; Elizabeth Harper; Levi Hayes; and Olivia Hayes. Harold leaves behind three great-grandchildren: Sidney Johnson, Oliver Gegenheimer, and Bellatrix Clay.

He was preceded in death by his son, Harold James McCarty, Jr. “Bubba”; his father, James McCarty; his mother, Dell Coppedge; his sisters, Carol Cairo and Martha Nichols; and his brother, Rudolph McCarty.

Harold will be deeply missed by his family, friends, coworkers, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His memory will live on through the stories shared, the lives he touched, and the family he loved so dearly.

Rest in peace, Bigfoot.

You will be forever loved, forever remembered, and forever missed.