Kendel James McCarty

Kendel James McCarty
February 5, 1989 – August 10, 2026

On Monday, August 10, 2026, Kendel James McCarty, a beloved son, husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away at the age of 37.

From an early age, Kendel had a deep love for the outdoors. Whether he was helping build fences, baling hay, working on a farm, or hunting, he was happiest outside and working with his hands.

After graduating from Lincoln County High School in Fayetteville, Tennessee, Kendel attended Middle Tennessee State University. Following in his grandfather’s footsteps, he joined Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity, where he later served as Noble Ruler, the chapter’s president. He went on to graduate from MTSU’s Concrete Industry Management program and began a career that would take him across the country while allowing him to pursue his passion for concrete and construction.

Kendel never met a stranger. He had a way of making people feel like they had known him forever, and he was the person people called when they needed help. Whether it was a job that needed to be done, a problem that needed solving, or simply someone who needed a hand, Kendel was there. Over the years, he built a talented team of men to work alongside him, creating friendships and bonds that extended far beyond the job.

In the spring of 2017, Kendel met Amber on a blind date, and the two bonded over their shared love of music and, of course, construction. Together, they built a family filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Their family was blessed with two amazing boys, Peyton Finch and Hunter James, who adored their father and shared many of his interests.

Kendel loved being a father and took great joy in sharing the things he loved with his boys. He took them fishing, brought them along to ride on construction equipment, and made memories with them on family trips to the mountains. He loved teaching Peyton Finch to garden and grow his own pumpkins and taught his boys the names of just about every piece of construction equipment they passed on the road. These were more than simple activities to Kendel—they were opportunities to spend time with his boys, teach them what he knew, and make memories they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

He was preceded in death by grandparents: Valerie Elizabeth Bradley, Robert O. Bradley, and James Douglas McCarty.

Kendel’s legacy will live on through his wife, Amber; his sons, Peyton Finch and Hunter James; his mother, Shonagh (Franklyn) O’Neal; his sister, Katie Elizabeth Kitchen; his nieces, Kenyia Elizabeth Thomas, Kaleigha Allison Thomas, and nephew, Khalil Ermias Kitchen, grandmother Jo McCarty; as well as his cousins, extended family, friends, and the many people whose lives he touched.

Though his time with them was far too short, Kendel gave his family something that will remain long after his passing: a lifetime of memories, a love of the outdoors and hard work, and the example of a man who was always willing to lend a hand. His boys will carry those lessons, memories, and his love with them wherever life takes them.

A private memorial service will be held in Kendel’s honor.

Arrangements in the care of Compassion Funeral & Cremation Services, Nashville, TN. (615) 857-9955. We proudly remain locally owned & operated.