Gift & Estate Planning

Dr. Irvin and Marey Carey Wofford

UGA's Own A-Team: Irvin and Marey Carey Wofford

Dr. Irvin and Marey Carey Wofford were a team. Married in 1938, and following his naval service on the USS Saratoga during World War II, Marey Carey accompanied Irv to the University of Georgia, where he received his agronomy degree from the College of Agriculture in 1948. Together they attended two other universities, Florida and Michigan State, for Irv to complete his master's degree and Ph.D. programs.

They always joked that Marey Carey received her PHT ("putting Hubby through") degree by working various jobs in the college towns where they found themselves. It was obvious to anyone who knew them how devoted they were to each other's endeavors. Even during Irv's 38-year successful career with Southern Nitrogen/Kaiser Chemical in Savannah, Ga., they were known as a team. Whether they were creating a "Marey Garden" for their church, providing camellias to a neighbor or sponsoring youth activities in FFA, 4-H or the Savannah Exchange Club, they were there together, always jovial and always putting their hearts into every activity and giving totally of themselves. For Irv, his reason for emphasizing community service was simple: "It was important to give back to the community for all of the kindness I have received."

Living a Full Life
No entity received more of their collective love and devotion than the University of Georgia. During their 57 years of marriage, Irv and Marey Carey were the consummate bulldog team, always finding a way to include trips to Athens and UGA in their fun. They even celebrated their 50th anniversary with a UGA Alumni Cruise! As season ticket holders, they supported the University of Georgia football program, including the cheerleaders and mascots, through every season with their gifts, game attendance and leadership in state Bulldog Club events.

In loving memory of her No. 1 teammate, Marey Carey created the Irvin M. Wofford Football Scholarship, which established Irv's legacy of support in perpetuity. Their love for the University of Georgia was not limited to athletics. Irv and Marey Carey were just as devoted to the UGA Alumni Association, where Irv served as president; to the Georgia 4-H, where Marey Carey mentored a number of students; and the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

As quoted in his introduction to the Georgia Agricultural Hall of Fame, Irv said modestly: "It seems the more I do for the university, the more it does for me. The friendships I've made have been long-lasting and sustaining through many, many years."

Returning Home to Athens
Through a bequest in their wills, they directed that the Irvin and Marey Carey Wofford Endowment be created to provide scholarship support to students studying in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

By honoring their annual support to students and programming in the college, the university will be positively influenced by this bulldog A-team and their belief and commitment to serving others in the place that was nearest to their hearts. As the quote pinned near the bed of the fearless and fun-loving Marey Carey during her last weeks of life stated:

"If you lead a good life, go to Sunday School and Church, say your prayers every night, when you die…you'll go to Athens."

The late Irvin and Marey Carey Wofford—the University of Georgia A-team supporting athletics, alumni, and agriculture—we are honored to have you home in Athens.

The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For legal or tax advice, please consult an attorney. Figures cited in examples are for hypothetical purposes only and are subject to change. References to estate and income taxes apply to federal taxes only. State income/estate taxes or state law may impact your results.