Bernard "Bernie" McCarthy

Bernard “Bernie” McCarthy, age 76, went to be with his Lord on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 with Nancy his wife of 53 years at his side, at the John D. Dingle Medical Center, Detroit. His passing and Army military service were honored by his wife and hospital staff with “The Final Salute” ceremony ending with the chaplain’s words “Honored veteran leaving the floor.” Bernie was born on March 21, 1947 in Detroit, MI to Bernard and Phyllis McCarthy. After graduating from Southeastern High School in Detroit, Bernie felt privileged to join the U.S. Army in 1967 where he served as a company clerk (like Radar O’Reilly in M.A.S.H.). As a volunteer he was awarded the National Defense Service Metal. One of his greatest disappointments was when he had to be medically discharged. Returning home to Detroit, he was employed by the J.L. Hudson Company at their downtown store where he met his future wife, Nancy. They were married on January 28, 1971 and they spent their life together as best friends with love, laughter and cherished memories. Bernie was later hired by the Chrysler Corporation as a large press operator and inspector until his health forced him to seek a less physically challenging job. With the intent to change his occupation, Bernie applied to and was accepted into the radiology program at Marygrove College, Detroit. Unfortunately his health deteriorated before he graduated and he was forced to withdraw from the program. He permanently retired from the work force with a 100 percent disability. God blessed Bernie with a true servant’s heart. He found tremendous joy in serving at his church, Motor City Church, Troy, MI (formerly Zion Christian Church). He did not seek the limelight but preferred to be in the background serving in any way needed. He loved teaching especially the 9 through 12 year olds. Bernie felt close to the Lord when he was in the midst of nature and so his love for animals, flowers and gardening was innate. His chief hobby was the study of history, particularly World War II and the Civil War. As a result, he became active in living history. He portrayed Alpheus Starkly Williams; Michigan’s first Civil War general and as such was a volunteer at Historic Fort Wayne, Detroit, MI. As General Williams he appeared at Greenfield Village, Dearborn, MI., Cascades Park, Jackson, MI, Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, PA, as well as many other places and events. While in Gettysburg he was asked to act as General Williams in a movie about Gettysburg that was being shot on site. He also participated in one of the Detroit Thanksgiving Day parades. His deep respect for all veterans prompted him to research the Civil War veterans buried at Elmwood Cemetery, Detroit. With the information assembled he wrote his book “The Civil War Dead at Elmwood Cemetery.” Because many of these graves did not have headstones, Bernie applied and received headstones from the government for over 200 Civil War veterans. He also made himself available to the families of current veterans and assisted them to obtain headstones for their loved ones. Bernie is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy and his cherished family: mother-in-law Edna Austin, sister-in-law, Louanne Austin, nephew, Jason (Sarah) Austin, great nephews, Julien and Silas Austin and his Motor City Church family. He was preceded in death by his father-in-law Jessee W. Austin and brother-in-law Danny W. Austin. Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will take place on Tuesday, October 24th at 4:00 P.M. at the Motor City Church, 3668 Livernois Rd, Troy, MI 48083. Burial will take place in the Oakwood Cemetery in Saline, MI. Graveside Services will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 9:00 A.M. at Oakwood Cemetery with Pastor David Lomasney Jr. officiating. Military Honors will be held under the auspices of the Washtenaw County Veteran’s Honor Guard. Memorial contributions in Bernie’s name may be given to the American Diabetes Association. To leave a memory you have of Bernie or to sign his guestbook, please visit www.rbfhsaline.com.

Tributes

Bernard "Bernie" McCarthy

March 21, 1947 - October 11, 2023