Mr. Malachi Carnes, 78, of Calhoun, passed away Friday, February 22, 2013 at his residence. He was a native of Gordon County, born on April 3, 1934 to the late Claude Oliver Carnes and the late Enoree Lonnie Mae White Carnes. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Anita Ables Carnes; and a son-in-law, Jeffery Scott Stansell.

Malachi was a retired School Superintendent of Gordon County. He was Principal of Swain Elementary, Model Elementary, and Vice-Principal of Adairsville High School. In addition, he was the girls basketball coach of Adairsville High School and Model High School. He was a teacher at the old Oostanaula School and taught in several school systems for over 35 years.

Survivors include three sons, Stephen Carnes and his wife Marzee of Calhoun, Tim Carnes and his wife Sherrie of Calhoun, and Bo Carnes and his wife Anitra of Sugar Valley; three daughters, Debbie McGowan and her husband Roger of Calhoun, Tammy Stansell of Calhoun, and Shelly Kinsey and her husband Eric of Plainville; a sister and brother-in-law, Evelyn and John Sweat of Jacksonville, Ark.; twenty-two grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. A host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives also survive.

Funeral services to celebrate the life of Mr. Malachi Carnes were held Monday, February 25 at 2 p.m. from the Oostanaula Baptist Church, with Rev. Larry Hogan, Rev. Justin Carnes, Rev. David Peeler and Rev. Lamar Bearden officiating. Interment followed in the West Union Baptist Church Cemetery. Grandsons served as pallbearers.

The Carnes family received friends at the Oostanaula Baptist Church Sunday after 6 p.m.

Online condolences may be expressed and the guest book signed at www.maxbrannonandsons.com. Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home, a legacy of compassion and care, is in charge of funeral arrangements.