Some things are just difficult to believe. On Sept. 25, 2021, the passing of Emmanuel William Carrion, also known as Manny, is one of those. Manny was unforgettable, larger than life. He honestly never met a stranger and left a memory with everyone he met.
Manny was born on March 22, 1979, to William and Susan Anne LaPlante Carrion. He loved his family and embraced being Puerto Rican from the time he was a small boy. As a catcher in little league his friends called him “The Puerto Rican Missile” because of the way he could throw out any runner trying to steal. He was athletic excelling in baseball and football in high school and always wanted to be the best.
Manny was bighearted and generous. He loved being the one to pick up the bill at a restaurant. Many times he would invite his family or friends to Miami Dolphins or Atlanta Braves games and surprise them with great seats. It pleased him to be able to spoil his family with trips and kind gestures. He absolutely enjoyed taking care of those he loved.
Manny loved to make people laugh, it’s one of the parts of his personality that made people want to be with him. He was able to make time disappear so that the last visit of months ago seemed like only yesterday. No one ever had to wonder what he was thinking because he was more than happy to speak his mind. Manny liked to pretend he had a tough guy image, when he really was tender hearted and just a powder puff.
Manny loved the sea and spent lots of time on the water “catching” with his family and friends. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting as well as fresh water or salt water fishing. Closer to home, he liked a good game of corn hole with Chase and his dad.
Manny was a hard worker. He owned Carrion Tree Service in Hiawassee, Georgia, and in Bradenton, Florida since 2009. He also owned The Sand Bar in Hiawassee. While he lived in Townes County, Georgia, he was very active in the Chamber of Commerce, community and youth sports leagues. He was civic minded and once donated 90 turkeys to Care-Net to help feed hungry families.
Manny was an active member of Bayside Church in West Bradenton, Florida. Knowing his relationship with his Savior and the promise of a Heavenly reunion helps bring peace to his family even though his big presence as the oldest child in his loving close knit family is irreplaceable. His impact on people who knew him and have told their stories since his passing has been a great comfort to those who loved him best.
Left with many wonderful memories of Manny and the life he lived is his wife, Jill Hayden Carrion and his children, Morgan Michelle Van Hoogen, Chase William Carrion, Taylor Lynne Carrion, and Price William Carrion all of Bradenton, Florida; his parents, Willie and Sue Carrion and his siblings, Rebecca Jenkins (Red), Isaac Carrion (Bridget), Sarah Holbrooks (Brent) all of Franklin, and Benjamin Carrion (Kelly) of Durham, North Carolina; and a host of nieces and nephews.
A private memorial service celebrating Emmanuel’s life will be held Oct. 9, 2021, at LifeSpring Community Church. Rev. Bryon Lamb, Rev. Ben Windle, Rev. Jason Smith, and Red Jenkins will officiate with music by Jim Byrd.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Emmanuel’s service will be for family members only. Masks and social distancing will be required. The service will be broadcast live via LifeSpring Community Church, Franklin, NC, Facebook page beginning at 11 a.m.
Moffitt Family Funeral Care is honored to serve Emmanuel’s family. Online condolences may be made at www.moffittfamilyfuneralcare.com