Captain Ted McCarley, USN (Ret) (80) passed quietly in his sleep at home in Solomons, MD on 5 September 2020. Born in Charleston, SC on 24 June 1940, he was the son of the late Rear Admiral Henry Harris McCarley and the late Marion (MacMillan) McCarley.
Ted received his Bachelor’s Degree Summa Cum Laude from Chaminade University of Hawaii in 1984. He graduated from the National War College in June 1990. Ted was a Naval Officer serving forty three years active duty supporting Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD). From Seaman to Captain, Master Blaster, diver, parachutist, and a mentor to many over the years, not even dementia could cast a pall on Ted’s lifelong love affair with the Navy. He was a lifelong member of the Naval EOD Association (NEODA) and the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA Branch 24, Annapolis).
Known as a crackerjack boat mechanic, daredevil, marathoner, and memorable ass-chewer, he was also a beloved husband, lucky father, fun grandfather and great-grandfather that shared a love for adventure, tattoos, dolphins, and rollercoasters.
Fortunate to be able to live out his childhood dream of owning his own boat upon retirement, Ted loved cruising on his 44’ Defever trawler, M/V Aloha Friday. He and his wife wintered in the Bahamas, circumnavigated the eastern U.S. by water, and cruised maritime New England and Canada.
Ted is survived by his wife Nancy Shores McCarley; daughter, Debbie Kroupa (Mike) of Lagrange, OH; grandsons James Kroupa of Amherst, OH and Ryan Kroupa of Lagrange, OH; great-granddaughter, Adelynn Kroupa of Amherst, OH; son, Michael McCarley (Debbie) and grandson Jack McCarley all of Simpsonville, SC; son, Allen McCarley (Isabel) of Fredericksburg, VA; brother, Harris McCarley (Walta) of Redmond, WA; niece Cheryl Masters (Don) of Redmond, WA; nephew Hank McCarley (Kelly) of Fairhope, AL; sister, Marion McCarley of Seattle, WA; sister Margarette Curnutt (Dee) of Marysville, WA; nephew Jeff Curnutt (Heather) of Auburn, WA; brother, Jack McCarley of Tacoma, WA; sister-in-law Madeline Flynn (Joe) of Alexandria, VA; brother-in-law, David Shores of LaPlata, MD; niece Taelyr Celia (Anthony) of LaPlata, MD; nephew, Kurt Shores (TJ) of Silver Spring, MD; brother-in-law, Nick Pera of Alexandria, VA; and nephew, Nicholas Pera of Seattle, WA.
Burial at Arlington National Cemetery is being planned for a future date next year.
Memorials may be made to the EOD Warrior Foundation (716 Crestview Ave, Niceville, FL 32758), the Lewy Body Dementia Association (lbda.org), or the charity of your choice.
Lancaster
November 8 – Obituary: Captain Theodore (Ted) Kershaw McCarley, USN (RET)
Nancy as you know Ted and I were friend’s from his early day, we served togather in MCB#3, while the Battalion was on Guam and as Team Mates on the second STAT Team to be sent to Vietnam. It was while we were in country that Ted decided to move on and move up. Could not have had a better friend, I still recall some of the stuff we did. He leaves a deep hole that cannot be filled in my heart. May he rest in peace and may god give you the grace to move forward.
Nancy McCarley
November 7 – Obituary: Captain Theodore (Ted) Kershaw McCarley, USN (RET)
Thank you Brian and Kathleen. I wish this wasn’t so hard. I’m moving forward, grateful for the 40 wonderful years Ted gave me. Every year is chock full of memories that make me smile. Ted’s absence leaves a huge void in my life and an even bigger hole in my heart. Ted loved the Navy and he loved EOD. He gave us all his best. He made my world better! He was the love of my life.
Virtual hugs to you both until we meet again, love, Nancy
Nancy McCarley
November 6 – Obituary: Captain Theodore (Ted) Kershaw McCarley, USN (RET)
Thank you so much LtCol Jones – thank you for your kind words. Ted loved the Navy and he loved EOD. He would have stayed in forever if he could. It was 2 months yesterday and I still can’t believe he is gone.
Nancy McCarley
November 6 – Obituary: Captain Theodore (Ted) Kershaw McCarley, USN (RET)
Dee – Wow! thanks for sharing that story. That sounds like Ted all the way around!
Nancy
Alton a Jones
October 28 – Obituary: Captain Theodore (Ted) Kershaw McCarley, USN (RET)
Captain McCarley was one of the best commanders I got to work with and for. He was fair, he was dedicated, and a true professional. I knew him at the EOD Tech Center. He would come around the office after quitting time when a few of us were still around just to say Hi and see how things were going. He loved EOD. I miss him.
LtCol Alton Jones (USAF Ret)
Dee Warder
October 26 – Obituary: Captain Theodore (Ted) Kershaw McCarley, USN (RET)
Dear Captain McCarley’s Family & Friends,
First, let me apologize but a friend just sent this to me.
I am so sorry for your loss. I met Captain McCarley in the mid 90’s @ the EOD Technology Division as our Commanding Officer (CO). You see, our office had a grievance based on age discrimination however until our CO learned of this, it seemed it was to be a struggle. Capt McCarley did his research, interviewed several involved & felt that “where there was smoke, there was fire!”. He scheduled a meeting w/ALL employees except our supervisor and explained how we could not move forward until a resolution was achieved. Captain McCarley made the decision to remove our supervisor from ALL his responsibilities, thereby setting a clear vision for office wellness! We had endured tyranny for 7+ yrs but thanks to our CO, tyranny ended! Without your husband, father & friend who knows what would have happened. I’m retired 17 yrs now, but my CO continues being remembered for standing up for a small group of senior employees & making the right decision. I will always recall my CO fondly. Each of you have my Sincerest Sympathies ~ May God bless & comfort you
Marcia R. Chaney
September 15 – Obituary: Captain Theodore (Ted) Kershaw McCarley, USN (RET)
Nancy,
I’m so sorry to hear of your husbands passing. May God bless you and your family.
Marcy (Ripple) Chaney
Cathy Vellines
September 14 – Obituary: Captain Theodore (Ted) Kershaw McCarley, USN (RET)
Nancy,
I’m so sorry for your lost. Remember all the good times.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers
Ron Zitzman
September 13 – Obituary: Captain Theodore (Ted) Kershaw McCarley, USN (RET)
Nancy, Mike and family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy. Ted was my first CO and has always been a great leader and mentor to me and hundreds of other EOD technicians and Naval Officers. I was so blessed to have served under his command. He was demanding but fair and I personally know how truly good he was for the Navy EOD community. We are all saddened by your loss. Rest In Peace Commodore, My Greatest Respect, Ron Zitzman
Eileen Daniels
September 13 – Obituary: Captain Theodore (Ted) Kershaw McCarley, USN (RET)
Nancy,
So sorry to hear of your husband Ted’s passing. Your travels with him that you posted on Facebook seemed so wonderful and will hopefully bring you many smiles and precious memories through the years. May your heart be filled with comfort and peace. God bless you!
Eileen (Synowiec) Daniels
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