Edward Richard Carey, Jr., "Giz"

Edward Richard Carey Jr., “Giz” as his family called him, gained his wings too soon on Saturday, April 20, 2019. 

He was born November 20, 1999 in Philadelphia, but raised the majority of his life in Tecumseh, Oklahoma. 

Ed was courageous and brave with the heart of a natural born athlete and he was involved in many sports. He excelled at them all. He loved basketball, football and tennis. His abilities earned him many honors, including a football scholarship. But, he was not only concerned with his own merits. He enjoyed helping and mentoring others in the sports he loved so much. He served as the baseball manager for the Tecumseh High School Baseball teams, helping younger classmen develop skills, and a love for the game. He was loved and respected by teammates and coaches alike. 

Ed had a deep love for his family, especially his younger siblings; he was a brother that was caring, loving, and protective. He had an amazing heart. He was generous, kind, and loving. He was thoughtful, considerate, and always wore the brightest smile. It was a smile of legends, the kind of smile that would not only light a room, but the hearts of those around him; to see that smile and energy once, was to remember Ed for life. 

In the eyes of his family, Ed was already a legend. To know Ed was to love him. He was loved by many. 

Those going home before him were his grandparents, Mary Lawton, William Carey, Carla and Jim (Bop) Adams and Wanda Lehman. 

He leaves behind his parents, Edward and Lacey Carey of the home and Ameerah and Norman Rogers of Sanford, Florida; siblings, Kaylum, Nevaeh, Essence, and Prince; grandparents, Sheila Brisbane and Anthony Brisbane, both of Philadelphia; aunt Christy Lehman and cousin Dakoda Lehman, both of Shawnee; many other aunts, uncles, and cousins; and a host of friends whose lives were deeply touched by knowing him. 

Ed left in a way that was unexpected, yet now is not the time to speculate or dwell on his passing, but rather come together and remember the life he lived, the way he loved, and the memories we all hold deep in our hearts. 

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, April 26, 2019 and from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday, April 27, 2019. Family gathering to greet friends will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, April 26, 2019 at Cooper Funeral Home. Services will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 27, 2019 at the Tecumseh High School Alumni Building with Pastor Vance Bowman, Sr. Pastor of Shawnee United Pentecostal Church and Cornelius Jones officiating under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.

Donations are being gratefully accepted at BancFirst, 1213 Gordon Cooper Drive, Tecumseh, OK  74873.