Carey Capell Obituary

Carey Capell SUMTER, SC - It is with great sadness that we announced the passing of Colonel Carey M. Capell, USAF (Ret.) MD on June 27, 2025. A lifelong learner, Carey graduated from The Citadel with a BS in Electrical Engineering. Afterwards, he taught electrical engineering as an assistant professor at the USAF Academy and later attended medical school on a USAF scholarship at the University of New England, College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed a Master's in public health at the University of North Carolina, followed by residencies in aerospace and occupational medicine at Brooks AFB, Texas. Carey served as a hospital commander at Prince Sultan Air Force Base, Saudia Arabia. He then arrived at Shaw AFB in 2002, serving first in the 20th Medical Group and later HQ USCENTAF. Carey devoted his life to military service, and at the time of his retirement from the Air Force in 2005 after 34 years of service, he was Surgeon General, UC Central Command Air Forces. In that capacity, he was responsible for the medical care, public health, and health service support for all Air Force personnel in Southwest Asia, and the Horn of Africa. During his military career, Carey earned the Bronze Star for heroic or meritorious achievements of service. After retiring for the Air Force, Carey returned to his alma mater, The Citadel, where for 17 years he cared for the Corps of Cadets and managed the infirmary. In 2023, he was recognized with the Citadel's Palmetto Award, honoring him for exceptional performance and reflecting great credit on The Citadel and the state of South Carolina. Carey was recently elected as a Deacon at Grace Baptist Church, where he also sang in the choir. Carey is survived by his wife, Rebecca, their three children, Eric, Lauren, and Colin, and his sister, Cydney Capell. A memorial service will be held at 11 A.M. Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Grace Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Steve Williams officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.