Dr. William “Bill” “Pops” James Carter, 76, of Brentwood, TN passed peacefully away January 25, 2023. Bill was born April 17, 1946 in Kansas City, MO to parents, Leon and Marie Carter. He was the second of three children.
Dr. Carter graduated high school from Rosedale High School in Kansas City, MO. He received the Bachelor of Science Degree from Abilene Christian University in 1968. In 1972, he attended the University of Missouri in Kansas City, receiving his degree as Doctor of Dental Surgery. He enlisted in the United States Army (1972 – 1981) and received his Master of Science in Dentistry Degree at George Washington University in 1979 and completed his residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, where he received Certification in Periodontics. Upon leaving the military, he had achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His military awards include medals for Army Commendation (1976), Army Commendation Oakleaf (1977), and for Meritorious Service (1981). Dr. Carter moved to Nashville (Donelson), TN in 1982 to begin private practice in periodontics.
Dr. Carter was an adventurer and lived life to the fullest. Among being an avid reader, some of his past times include scuba diving, football, traveling, golf, family snow-skiing trips, and photography. He had an infectious laughter, loved playing pranks, and always had another joke to tell! He was very congenial with his patients and they loved him. Dr. Carter was so very grateful and appreciative of his staff, both, past and present. He would want to thank each and every one for their hard work and dedication to him and his patients for so many years.
Dr. Carter is predeceased by father, Leon Arthur Carter; and mother, Ila Marie (Andrews) Carter; and his loving canine, “Latte”. He is survived by his loving wife of thirty years, Donna Carter; daughters, Jill Tompkins (Kevin) and Ashley Farris (Justin); grandchildren Chelsey Moise (Taylor), Carter Tompkins (Jessica), Cameron Tompkins (Ashley), Neylan Farris, Westin Farris, and Adalynn Ferris; his first great granddaughter, Haven Tompkins; sister, Marty Baker Williams; brother, David Carter (Heather); and his beloved canine companions, “Chips” and “Queso”.
There will be a Gathering of Family & Friends on Friday, February 24, from 12:00pm until 2:00pm at the funeral home. A Celebration of Life will follow at 2:00pm in the Tulip Grove Room at the funeral home with Pastor David Royalty, officiating. David Carter, Kevin Tompkins, Carter Tompkins, Cameron Tompkins, Taylor Moise, Stephen Poston, Justin Farris, and Neylan Farris will serve as pallbearers. Following the service, Dr. Carter will be laid to rest in the Garden of Memories at Hermitage Memorial Gardens. Please consider making a donation in Dr. Carter’s memory to the MD Anderson Center (www.mdanderson.org) or to the charity of your choice. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Carter family at HermitageFH.com.
