MSG (Retired) Cary Sullivan, 71, of Columbus, GA formerly of Pendleton, SC passed Wednesday, June 28, 2023 in Columbus, GA.

Funeral service will be 12 noon EST, Wednesday, July 5, 2023 in the C.T. Chapel of Taylor with Rev. Vincent Bell, officiating. Interment to follow in Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery, Ft. Mitchell, AL. Visitation is Tuesday, July 4, 2023 from 12-3 p.m. EST.

MSG (RET.) Cary Sullivan “Smokey” to many, was born December 3, 1951 in Anderson, South Carolina. He was the son of the late Minnie Sullivan and Marcell Cowans. He spent most of his formative years in Pendleton, SC living with his grandparents the late Hack and Emma Howard.

Cary was a 1971 graduate of Pendleton High School, Pendleton, SC. Upon graduation Cary held several jobs but eventually decided on a lasting career by enlisting in the United States Army where he proudly served for more than 20 years, retiring as a Master Sargent (E8). Although his travels with the military took him many places his final stop was at Ft. Benning, now Ft. Moore near Columbus, GA where he made his home.

Cary was an avid golfer spending as much time as possible on the links. He also enjoyed spending time traveling and visiting family and friends with his late wife Rose.

Cary was preceded in death by his parents and step-mother, Lucy Mae Cowans; son, Brian Christopher “Chris” Sullivan; brothers, Rodney Jerome, John D., James Albert “Jackie”, Hack Sullivan, Melvin, Claude and Marcell Cowans, Jr. and sister, Kisha L. Cowans-Miller.

Left to cherish fond memories are his daughters, Karen E. Sullivan-Hatten (Kayla), Arlington, TX; Melissa S. Sullivan (Jermaine), Columbus, GA; son, Adarryus R. Ellington, (Angela) Anderson, SC; step-son Brian Brown, Columbus, GA; nine grandchildren, Bryan (raised in the home) (Merrisa), Devon (Monique), Aurora, IL, Christopher Nicholas (Marilyn), Fort Worth, TX, Jamil (Chloe) Houston, TX, Jordan (Akia), Atlanta, GA, Bryson (Lexus), Ft. Mitchell, AL, Amaiya, Columbus, GA, Kendall, Arlington, TX and Taylor, Columbus, GA; step-grandson, Tyler Brown; brothers, Anthony “Tony” (Leslie) and Willie both of Bartow, FL, Ricky (Drica) Pendleton, SC; sisters, Emma Diane, New York and Yvonne, Seneca, SC, Jennie Cowans-Rainey, Sandra Miles, and Geneva Cowans, Anderson, SC; four great-grandchildren, De’Mario, Caden, Bryleigh and Ryan; special friends and caregivers, David Lindsey and Bria N. Oestricher; a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and special friends.