Thomas Caraway

Thomas Dale Caraway of Hendersonville, TN, formerly of McKinney, TX passed away on January 7, 2018. Dale was born October 14, 1932 in Tulia, TX, son of the late Cleburne and Hazel Caraway. Dale proudly served in the United States Air Force for over 30 years, retiring as a Lt. Colonel. During his service he was the first pilot to fly carrying the atomic bomb during the Vietnam War. After his military career, he went on to work as a commercial airline pilot, retiring as Captain Caraway from Continental Airlines. Dale was a single father, raising his daughter from the time she was 3 years old, creating a very special bond and relationship with her that lasted all the way until he passed away. He would never leave the house without his hat and a toothpick, as was a true southern gentleman. Dale will be forever remembered as a funny man whose glass was always half full, a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan and a true man of God. Surviving are his daughter, Camile Caraway Reynolds; grandchildren, Savanah, Riley and Parker Reynolds; daughter, Karen Long and grandchildren, JT and Amanda Long; sister, Linda Caraway. He was preceded in death by a son, Ralph Dale Caraway; siblings, Jeanne Payne, James Caraway and Glenn Caraway. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at Charles W. Smith and Sons Funeral Home in McKinney, TX from 6-8pm. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 11, 11:00am at the Crosspoint Church in McKinney and burial with full military honors will take place on Friday, January 12 at 10:30am at the Dallas Ft. Worth National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cal Farley's Boys Ranch; P.O Box 1890; Amarillo, TX 79174; 800-687-3722.