James Lawrence Carter Sr.

James Lawrence Carter, Sr., 77, passed away on Thursday, July 23, 2015 at the Indian Path Medical Center. Mr. Carter was born on September 27, 1937 in Greene County, Tennessee, the son of the late Herbert Lawrence Carter and Ruby New Carter. He moved to Kingsport at an early age, and while a teenager he and his friend Mark Boatright, Jr., started a bluegrass and traditional country music band, The Short Hills Ramblers. Mr. Carter joined the United States Marine Corp at age 17 and served in the motor pool. While in the Corps, he was transferred to Special Services, where he played in the band Western Aires, entertaining the troops in the Philippines, Korea and other places. They were much appreciated by the G.I.s. After discharge from the Marines, he worked at Eastman Kodak for 32 years retiring at age 55. With the blessing of Mark Boatright he resurrected the Short Hills Ramblers and played for many years in Kingsport, Virginia, and North Carolina, notably at Carter’s Fold, Beechwood Music Center, Kingsport 4th of July parade, and Funfest Parade. He was Past President of TAMHA, Traditional Appalachian Musical Heritage Association which promotes the continuation of traditional and old time music. In addition to his parents, his was preceded in death by one brother, Lewis Carter; and one son-in-law, Tony Beeler. Survivors include his wife of fifty-five years, Charlotte Carter, of Kingsport, TN; three daughters, Margaret Beeler, of Kingsport, TN, Beth Sherrard and husband Rick, of Hixson, TN, and Cathy Osborne and husband Jack, of Abingdon, VA; two sons, Lawrence Carter and wife Tisha, of Kingsport, TN, and John Carter and wife Rachael, of Gray, TN; seven grandchildren, a great-grandchild expected in December; four sisters, Nannie “Tootsie” Harmon, Brenda Morelock, Sharon Goss, all of Kingsport, TN, and Treva Wire, of York, PA; one brother, Gerald Carter, of Kingsport, TN; and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends Sunday, July 26, 2015 from 4:00pm until 7:00pm at East Lawn Funeral Home. Graveside service for Mr. James Lawrence Carter, Sr., will be held Monday, July 27, 2015 at 3:00pm in the Garden of David at East Lawn Memorial Park with Tony Trivette officiating. Military honors will be rendered by the American Legion Hammond Post #3 and Gate City Post #265. Pallbearers will be grandson, Josh Osborne, grandsons-in-law, Jeremiah Clark and Bryan Davis, and nephews, Charles Carter and Allan Harmon. Honorary pallbearers will be past and present members of the Short Hills Ramblers, nephews, Bob and Bill Harmon, grandson, Nicholas Carter, also, Bill McCall and Bill Cowden. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to TAMHA, PO Box 228, Blountville, TN 37617. The family would like to thank the staff of the Radiology Department and ICU at Indian Path Medical Center, especially Linda in Radiology and Reba in ICU. East Lawn Funeral Home, 4997 Memorial Blvd, Kingsport, TN 37664; 423-288-2081 is honored to be serving the Carter family.