By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor

Employees at Alabaster’s Ernest McCarty Ford are remembering a man of “strength, character and integrity” after the dealership’s general manager passed away following a lengthy battle with cancer.

David McCarty, the 53-year-old son of the dealership’s namesake, passed away the night of July 24 after battling cancer for the past 14 years, said Ernest McCarty Ford Operations Manager Chris Williamson.

“When he was diagnosed, they gave him six months to live. That was 14 years ago,” Williamson said. “He got to see all of his kids graduate from high school, and he got to see his daughter get married and give him a grandkid.”

David McCarty, along with his father and brother, Lee, opened Ernest McCarty Ford on U.S. 31 in Alabaster in 1983. Since then, the dealership has grown greatly, and has expanded into adjacent properties.

Williamson, who was friends with David McCarty for many years, said the man was well-respected by his colleagues at the dealership and was well-liked in the community.

“He was always good to people, and he always took care of his customers,” Williamson said, noting the dealership’s employees were notified of David McCarty’s death the morning of July 25. “He played for Bear Bryant at Alabama, and was on two national championship teams. I think a lot of what he learned playing football helped get him through his battle with cancer.”

Williamson said David McCarty mentored many in the automotive business, and helped build Ernest McCarty Ford into what it is today.

“We are all going to miss him, but he’s in a better place now,” Williamson said.