Eulogy for my father

Delivered October 31, 2025, at Hillcrest Funeral Home in Shelbyville, Tennessee

John Vernon “Jack” Carney Jr.

August 17, 1937 — October 28, 2025

On behalf of my siblings, I want to thank all of you for being here today. I also want to thank all of those who have been so kind to my father, particularly in these last few years when he’s been afflicted by dementia. The people at The Heart Remembers, which is part of Carriage House, and the staff of Compassus Hospice were so kind to him and to us during Dad’s final days.

2 Timothy 1:7–14 (CEB)

God didn’t give us a spirit that is timid but one that is powerful, loving, and self-controlled.

So don’t be ashamed of the testimony about the Lord or of me, his prisoner. Instead, share the suffering for the good news, depending on God’s power. God is the one who saved and called us with a holy calling. This wasn’t based on what we have done, but it was based on his own purpose and grace that he gave us in Christ Jesus before time began. Now his grace is revealed through the appearance of our savior, Christ Jesus. He destroyed death and brought life and immortality into clear focus through the good news. I was appointed a messenger, apostle, and teacher of this good news. This is also why…