Thomas Houston Carter Sr.

He was born on November 13, 1924, in Pasadena, California; but he spent most of his adolescence in Geneseo, Illinois. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Navy during World War II where he was introduced to his eventual love for aviation. He entered college on the GI Bill and graduated from Centenary College in 1948. While at Centenary, he was a college cheerleader; a member of Kappa Alpha; noted in “Who’s Who in American Colleges”; and met his life partner, the former Minnette Harkrider of Marshall, Texas. In 1952 he entered the United States Coast Guard, a move he described as one of the best decisions he ever made. While in the Coast Guard, his tours of duty sent him all over the United States and abroad while amassing a number of honors, awards, and medals. Flying search and rescue missions for most of his career, he always realized the value of life and service. During the Bicentennial, he orchestrated and accompanied Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip during their visit to Boston. Upon retirement he sat on the Board of Directors for USAA, worked for H and R Block, enjoyed rounds of golf and traveling with friends, and cherished laughter with family and loved ones. He possessed an uncompromising faith in the human spirit; an unconditional love for his family, his dogs, and his friends; and an unwavering devotion for his country. He will be sorely missed.

Captain Carter was preceded in death by his mother, Klella Cave Carter; brother Jack Carter and sister-in-law Janet; sister Jill Ward and brother-in-law Dick; and best friend of 66 years, Ed Hughes. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Minnette H. Carter of Cary, NC; daughter Cindi Crabtree and husband Charlie; son Tom Carter and wife Colleen; three grandchildren, Sean, Maura, and Katie Carter of Cary, NC. Extended family includes Catherine, Kyle, Christopher Quinby and Kayla Pounds of Garner, NC; Gene and James Bradford and family of Austin, TX; Rick and Ann Ward and family of Houston, TX; Nan Carter of Berkley, CA; Liz and Stathis Papageorgio of Athens, Greece; Alton Allen and family of Marshall, TX; Sara and Tom Taylor and family of Houston, TX; Ritchie Tesson and family of Houston, TX; along with many of his traveling and golfing buddies.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 4, 2010, at 5:00PM at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 221 Union Street, Cary, NC, with a Celebration of Life following the ceremony. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the following: Puppies Behind Bars (an organization training dogs to serve with veterans with PTSD), 10 E. 40th Street, Floor 19, NY, NY 10016 (212-680-9562); or Ancient Order of the Pterodactyl, Coast Guard Aviation Association, PO Box 222905, Chantilly, VA 20153-2905.

Condolences may be offered at www.brownwynnecary.com