Joseph Eric Carter

Eric was born in Lebanon Tennessee to the late Shirley Sprong (Ralph) and the late John Crawley Carter (Judy). Eric was a Sergeant in the United States Air Force stationed in Okinawa, Japan and was an employee of Hewlett Packard Enterprises for 35 years. During his tenure at HPE he traveled the world working with individuals of all nationalities. Married 35 years to his best friend, Beth Ann (Downing) Carter they lived in the Downing family home for 20 years, which has been in the family for almost 50 years, with their beloved Great Pyrenees’, Cypress and Oakley.

Eric and Beth have two children, Ashley Nicole Carter (Andrew Sievert) of Jacksonville, FL and Andrew Nicholas Carter (Cara Knoeppel) of Palm Coast, FL. Eric has a wonderful stepsister, Patsy Smith, Panama City; four incredible brothers, the late John Carter (Maria), Steve Carter (Laurie), Indiana, Jeff Carter, Indiana, and Brent Carter (Cindy), Virginia; plus a sister-in-law, Phyllis Carter, Arkansas. Eric enjoyed many family gatherings with the Downing family, brother-in-law, Keean Downing (Robbie), Jacksonville, FL; sister-in-laws, Lynn Downing McCartney (Rick), Tallahassee, FL, Amy Downing Freeland (Brad), New Smyrna Beach, FL, and Andrea Downing Fortunas (Dan), Eastpoint, FL; and many loving nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

Eric possessed a strong heart, had a sharp wit and a love for making homemade hot sauce from his home-grown pepper plants. Eric enjoyed his music where jazz and rock and roll played continuously inside and outside the home. He had many passions in life, but none more than his family, who he loved fiercely and without condition.

Eric did not understand how powerful his presence was in this world. While he believed his mark on this world to be small, his life made a difference to all he met or ever knew. Always humble, he is a role model, someone to admire. Knowing Eric made life better, and his loss will be felt deeply. Knowing his caring nature, Eric would not want tears or sobs. He would want you to celebrate his life and have gratitude for each moment in this life.

In lieu of flowers, hug your loved ones as life is to precious and short. Eric was cremated and his family will hold a private memorial service at a later date.

Arrangements by Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home, Tallahassee, FL.