Final Salute

In Loving Memory of Horace Thomas Dawber Carnell

September 17, 1945 – October 5, 2026

Horace Thomas Dawber Carnell, affectionately known as Tom, age 81, passed away on Monday, October 5, 2026, at Piedmont Hospital in Macon, Georgia, due to complications from congestive heart failure.Born September 17, 1945, in Ithaca, New York, Tom was the son of Horace Thomas Robert Carnell and Mary Carnell (Dawber).Tom proudly served his country as a United States Navy Seabee during the Vietnam War. While stationed in Vietnam, he was part of the crews responsible for building roads and constructing runways. His service helped shape the direction of his career and reflected his lifelong dedication to hard work, practical skill, and serving others.After returning stateside, Tom worked for many years on the San Bernardino County road crew, where he eventually retired. He loved working outdoors and operating heavy equipment, including graders and striping machines used to paint lines on roadways. He took pride in the many responsibilities his work involved, from plowing snow and building roads to placing signs and helping maintain safe, reliable roadways. Tom often shared stories about the work he had done and the equipment he operated, and it was clear that he found purpose and satisfaction in creating something useful for the community.Tom also had a creative and caring side. He enjoyed working with wood and creating beautiful, meaningful pieces for the people he loved. Among his treasured projects was a cradle he made and gave to Casey and Joy for their children when they were born. His craftsmanship, generosity, and love live on in the many things he built with his own hands.He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Johnie Eleanor Carnell (Godfrey), and his youngest son, Casey Douglas Carnell.Left to cherish his memory are his grieving son, Michael Thomas Carnell; his children, Stacia Madina (Carnell) and Cameron Carnell; Michael’s wife, Aimie Carnell; and his adopted daughter, Bailey Carnell. His stepsons Sean Lugo & Lewis Lugo. Tom spent the final chapter of his life residing with his daughter-in-law, Joy Carnell, and grandson, Dominic Carnell, Granddaughter Natasha Rossi (Carnell) surrounded by family, friends, and the comforts of home.