Albion veteran Buck dies aged 79
Powerful presence
A footballer from the Hillfoots who played for Albion in a 14-year professional career has died at the age of 79.
Bill ‘Buck’ McCarry also had spells with Falkirk and St Johnstone and went toe-to-toe with some of the biggest names in Scottish football.
Buck, from Tillicoultry, worked as a miner in Clackmannanshire before becoming a full-time player with Falkirk.
He had previously played with Alva and Sauchie Juniors before his professional debut in April 1958.
National Service with the 1st Battalion Black Watch meant games were few at that time but his versatility showed when he turned out at centre half and right half.
His powerful physique made him a difficult opponent for any centre–forward as he dominated in the air and on the ground.
One of his colleagues in the Army was legendary Rangers and Scotland midfielder Jim Baxter.
The pair became such good friends that Jim was best man when Buck wed wife Sandra.
Buck, who lived in Tullibody with his family, had battled dementia for the last eight years.
His loving wife Sandra said: “My husband battled with the cruel disease of frontal lobe dementia for eight years.
“He managed to stay at home until the last few weeks, which he spent in hospital, where he peacefully passed away.
“He had regular visits from ex– footballer friends Drew Michie, Henry Hall, Ian Hunter and Alex Duchart and support workers from Alzhemiers Scotland.”
Sandra explained that Buck joined a reminiscence group, where he enjoyed seeing photographs and remembering good old times.
“His memory never failed on names of all the players,” she added.
Buck won promotion to the top flight with Falkirk in 196061. At the age of 24 he made the move to Perth, signing for St Johnstone, where he went on to make more than 300 appearances and secured legendary status with supporters at the then Muirton Park–based Saints.
He played alongside other St Johnstone great, John Lambie, who died earlier this year.
In 1969 he played in the St Johnstone side that reached the League Cup final against Celtic, losing the game 1-0.
His match was cut short when he suffered a badly gashed knee and was forced to limp off at halftime.
After leaving Saints he saw the remainder of his career out with the Binos when Bob Shankly snapped him up in 1971. It was a period when he went on to face a young Kenny Dalglish, then playing for Celtic.
After his playing career Buck worked in the brewery trade, delivering barrels of beer to pubs.
Former teammate Drew Michie said: “Buck was an important team player. He was the heart of the engine room and never gave less than 100 per cent. He motivated others to do the same. Despite his powerful physique and the fact he often played in the tough-tackling area in middle of the field, he was never sent off in a career that lasted from 1958, when he made his debut for Falkirk, until he played his final game for Stirling Albion in 1972.
“He was a natural leader on the pitch and was highly respected and valued by his teammates.”
Mr McCarry’s funeral will take place at St Serf’s at 11am on Tuesday.