Robert O’Neal Caraway

Mr. Robert O’Neal Caraway, age 87, of Zebulon, passed away peacefully at his home on July 27, 2025. Born in Thomaston, he was the son of the late Sam Caraway and Annie Phillips Caraway. Robert was a proud veteran of the United States Navy where he served in Korea. He later worked for 17 years with Ford Motor Company in Hapeville before retiring as an Engineer. He was a hard worker, a man of many skills and a jack-of-all trades. Robert was a self-employed heavy equipment operator and a farmer. He grew soybeans and harvested hay and pecans. In the 70s, Robert invented and patented the Caraway front mount V-rake for use in the commercial hay business and ran a wholesale and retail pecan business.  For 10 years, he owned and operated The Galley in Zebulon, a local restaurant known for its outstanding seafood and catfish.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Vickie Caraway, sons, Jimmy Caraway and Tony “Tumbleweed” O’Neal Caraway, grandson, Jason Jackson, brother, Jackie Caraway, and a sister, Carolyn Reeves (Harold) 

He is survived by his children: Pattie Faulkner (Wade), Cheryl Fulghum (Steve), Barbara Mueller (Warren Storey), and Steven Caraway (Genny); 18 grandchildren, many great and great-great-grandchildren.  

He is also survived by his sisters: Alice Moreland (Lee), Kathy Gresham (Darrell) and Andera Kolwaski (Chet); sister-in-law: Daphene Caraway; many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Robert’s life will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at his home, 10667 GA 109, Zebulon.