Thomas Nathan McCarter

Thomas Nathan McCarter, Sr. passed away peacefully at his home on September 21, 2015. A celebration of his life will be on Thursday at 2 p.m., at Northside United Methodist Church, with visitation prior to the service beginning at 12 Noon. Tom, born in Memphis, TN, December 1, 1932, was raised on his family's dairy farm in Marion, AR. At an early age, he excelled at raising prize winning cattle and swine. He was an avid rabbit hunter, and raised some of the best beagle hounds in Crittenden County. He later graduated from Bolles Military School in Jacksonville, FL and attended Oklahoma State University.

He joined the US Army and served for 2 years stationed in Baum Holder, Germany under the 868 Field Artillery 7th Army Division. During his service, he was part of the Fire Direction Center that was in charge of the US Artillery 280 Atomic Cannon. An avid horseman all his life, he was instrumental in starting the TN High School Rodeo Association and taught hundreds of children in Jackson how to ride. Early in his career, he graduated from Auctioneer School and over the years he gladly lent his talent for many nonprofit organizations that helped raise tens of thousands of dollars. His children always listened fondly as their daddy would "Sing about the money". Remarkably, Tom was a self taught pianist and played entirely by ear. He played for his Sunday School class for over two decades and had a knack for 'jazzing up' old gospel hymns. A huge fan of Lambuth University football, at the age of 74, Tom became Lambuth's mascot, "Lu the Eagle". Tom brought his family to Jackson in 1967. He never met a stranger and was well known for his tremendous salesmanship. In 1984, Tom started McCarter Irrigation, which is still in business today. He was an active member of Northside United Methodist Church. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Gloria Barber McCarter; four sons, Tom (Susan), Kevin (Shannon), Kendall (Sherri), Todd (Jennifer); grandchildren, Cole, Ben, Nolan, Julia, Lauren, Kade, Miles, Kathleen and Todd; sister, Jane West of Chatman, MA; brother-in-law, Thomas (Butch) Barber of Olive Branch, MS; as well as many nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, the late Robert and Grace McCarter; brother, Robert Smith McCarter, Jr. of Marion, AR and sister, Mary Grace Webb of Jacksonville, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials may be sent to Northside United Methodist Church for the music program. George A. Smith and Sons, (731) 427-5555.