Carter Eric Slappey, M.D.

Carter Eric Slappey, Sr., 73, passed away on April 1, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Carter was born on October 16, 1951, in Birmingham, Alabama to his doting parents, Alice and Don Slappey. The middle child of three, Carter was witty, mischievous and fun loving. Versatile at a young age, he enjoyed music and art as well as sports and nature. He loved all living things as evidenced by his numerous pets; iguanas, guinea pigs and dogs to name a few. While he often roamed the woods with childhood friends, Carter was known to come to the rescue of many an injured creature.

Carter graduated from Mountain Brook High School in 1969. He attended Birmingham Southern College where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, making several life long friendships. After college, he entered medical school at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. Upon graduation, he accepted an internship at Georgia Baptist Hospital in Atlanta. It was there that he met Lila Snipes, a beautiful young nurse from Cedartown, Georgia. The rest is history, and they were married January 12, 1980. They returned to Birmingham where Carter completed a residency in Orthopedic surgery at UAB while Lila worked at Children’s Hospital in the recovery room. They welcomed their first child, Meredith, in 1982. Following his residency, Carter completed a fellowship in Sports Medicine at the Hughston Clinic in Columbus, GA. It was there that they welcomed their second daughter, Adrienne.

The family returned home to Birmingham in the summer of 1985, and Carter joined his father and brother in private practice at Orthopedic Surgeons East. His gentle spirit, generosity and amazing laugh drew people to him. He had a wonderful relationship with his fellow surgeons and was adored by his nurses. He was truly a friend to all and loved caring for his patients, many whom he saw “after hours” in the kitchen at home.

His son, Carter, Jr. was born in 1987 and their family was complete. The following years were full, busy and happy. Carter was a devoted husband to Lila, a committed member of Briarwood Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon, a wonderful physician and loyal friend to all. But perhaps the role in which he excelled most was fatherhood. He faithfully attended every dance recital, ball game, golf match, cross country race and track meet and there were many – he was his children’s greatest fan! He gave freely of his time to his family and those he loved.

While he loved medicine, he loved family more. Upon his retirement, he spent time with Lila, his children and seven adoring grandchildren who were the center of his world and affectionately called him “Doc”.

He was preceded in death by his wife Lila Snipes Slappey and his parents Donald Hugh Slappey, Sr. and Alice Carter Slappey. He is survived by his three children - Meredith Slappey Halcomb (Kevin), Adrienne Slappey Moore (Bill) and Carter Eric Slappey, Jr (Brittany) and by his seven grandchildren - Helen and Anne Halcomb, June, Ivey and Billy Moore, and Carter and Rachel Slappey. He is also survived by his brother Donald Hugh Slappey, Jr. (Patti) and his sister Emily Slappey McVey (John) of Jackson, Mississippi, as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful caregivers who also became dear friends during this journey: Jasper Hardrick, Leslie Parks, Annie Simmons, Lisa Smith, Rhea Watson, Rena Watson, Marilyn Wilson, and their late caregiver Chad Payne. The family is also thankful for Home RN, Affinity Hospice, Benita Fay, Ferell Moss, Rose Swann and Tonya Tall. Carter was a part of the Encore Community Respite Ministry at Canterbury United Methodist Church, and the family is grateful for the friendship of Valerie Boyd, Kristen Snell, Patti Williams and Cris Brown. The family also wishes to thank the staff at Longleaf - especially the staff on the third floor who were so kind and caring.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Carter’s memory may be made either to the invaluable group at Encore, which has given the family so much support and love, or to a charity of your choice.

Encore Community Respite Ministry

Canterbury United Methodist Church

350 Overbrook Road

Birmingham, AL 35213

Memorial gifts may also be made online at www.canterburyumc.org. or by calling (205) 874-1553.

A visitation is planned for 10:00 am at Mountain Brook Community Church on April 10, 2025. The service will follow at 11:00 am.