Tributes

Carl Edward Starkey Jr. January 1st, 1972 - July 28th, 2025 “Forever with coffee in hand and mischief in his smile.” Carl Edward Starkey Jr., 53, of Anniston, Alabama, passed away peacefully on July 28th, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, love, and a glove box full of random treasures. Born on New Year’s Day in 1972, Carl had perfect timing from the start. Whether it was showing up late with a fresh cup of coffee or giving unsolicited (but oddly accurate) car advice, he always made an impression. A true enthusiast of all things with wheels, Carl never met a car or truck he didn’t have an opinion about, and most of the time, he was right. Carl found his greatest joy in the simple things: fishing at sunrise, kayaking on quiet waters, and spending time with his family. He may have been stubborn (okay, very stubborn), but his heart was even bigger than his coffee cup collection. His kids knew that no matter how tough the exterior, he was a softie on the inside, especially when it came to his family. Carl was also the king of jokes, some new, many old, and all delivered with his signature grin. Even if you’d heard it a dozen times before, he’d still crack it like it was brand new, and somehow you’d still laugh. It was a part of his charm. He is survived by his loving children, Madison Starkey Bonness (husband, Kaleb Bonness), Tyler Starkey, and Angela Starkey; his beloved granddaughters, Delilah McKinney and Miley Bonness; his sister, Kathryn Quigley (husband, Paul Quigley II); and his brother, Jonathan Lale Starkey. Carl was a proud uncle to Paul Quigley III, Jerry Brown III, Maura Brown, and Jonathan’s daughters Mia Starkey, Montana Starkey, and Memphis Starkey. He is preceded in death by his parents, Carl Edward Starkey Sr. and Mary Kathryn Nadine Smith; his son Zachary Starkey; and his granddaughter Karlee Bonness. We take comfort knowing he’s reunited with them now, probably telling them a fishing story or making them laugh with one of his classic jokes. Services to celebrate Carl’s life will be held on Monday, August 11th, 2025, at Miller Funeral Home in Oxford, Alabama. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. A graveside service will be held afterward at Eastaboga Baptist Church Cemetery. Carl lived his life full throttle, with a fishing rod in one hand, a coffee cup in the other, and a joke always on deck. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who loved him.

Tributes

Mr. Carl Edward Starkey Jr.

January 1, 1972 - July 28, 2025