Carl Samuel Mooney of Athens, WV, was a caring husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. One of many loved ones taken too soon by Covid, he left this world at the age of 73 on March 22, 2022, in the arms of his wife, surrounded by family.

He was the first of four children born to Clyde and Elizabeth Mooney on April 23, 1948, in Killarney, WV. At the age of 18, he was drafted into the Army - 25th Infantry Division to serve in the Vietnam War. While overseas, he received a letter from a stranger who would become the love of his life. A mutual friend encouraged Ruth Ellen Shumate to write him a note of encouragement. From their correspondence, love blossomed into a strong, happy marriage of 52 years. Together, they had two children: Carrie Ann and Carl Jr.

Carl loved working with his hands and was proud to be a laborer. He was a third-generation railroader for 40 years. But when he chose to retire at the age of 62, he took the next 12 years to play as hard as he worked. Carl was a patriot who loved his country, golf, and animals. Daily, Athens residents would see him in camo fatigues, walking his beloved dogs. When he wasn't out walking, he played golf with friends, practiced his putting on the porch, or chipped in the yard. Carl also genuinely cared about people. He never knew a stranger, would strike up a conversation with anyone, and was generous with his time and money to help those in need.

Always teaching by example, he instilled in his children the value of hard work, to always honor a promise, and never give up until you reach the finish line. His battle with Covid over the past four weeks showed his courage in facing life challenges with a stiff upper lip and without complaint. Despite the pain, Carl stayed strong and fought to the end.

Carl will be deeply missed by his wife, children, daughter-in-law Brandi, son-in-law Matt, grandchildren BreAnna, Taylor, and Emily, great-grandson Avett, brother Joe Mooney, sisters Betty Ruff and Elizabeth Johnson, five nephews, and two nieces.

Unwilling to make a fuss about himself, Carl did not wish for a visitation or memorial service. To honor him, the family suggests that memorial gifts be made to The Wounded Warrior Project (https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/).

Online condolences may be shared with the family via www.memprialfd.com.

The Mooney family is being served by the Memorial Funeral Directory and Cremation Center on the Athens Road in Princeton.