Retired Major Mayford Clay McCarter, Jr. 86 years old of Arthur, TN was at home when he went to be with the Lord on December 29, 2020. M.C. was born September 22, 1934 in Jefferson City, TN. He graduated from Maryville High School in 1953 and later received his Bachelors of General Studies, at the University of Nebraska. In 1956 He volunteered for active duty with United States Army and served 24 years. During active duty he received two Bronze Star Medals, The Vietnam service medal with Silver Star, Armed Forces Expeditionary medal, Army of Occupation Medal, the Vietnamese cross of Gallantry, Meritorious Service Medal, Parachutist badge, Combat infantryman badge, and expert sharpshooter / submachine gun along with numerous other awards. After the Military, in 1979 M.C. became the Tennessee Baptist Student Union Director at LMU for 19 years while concurrently clerking for United States post office. M.C served as deacon at Gap Creek and Harrogate Churches along with teaching Sunday school for many years.
He was preceded in death by his parents Mayford Clay and Frances Anderson McCarter, wife Bettie Jane Merritt McCarter, brother William Thomas McCarter and son Mark McCarter. M.C. was survived by wife of 55 years Helen Powell McCarter, daughter Tamra Hughes, son-in-law Mark Hughes, daughter Cindy Hurst, son-in-law Mark Hurst, daughters- in-law Lori McCarter and Ilene McCarter, sister-in-law Sandra McCarter, grandchildren Micah McCarter, Melanie McCarter, Rebecca Wynne, Daniel Hughes, Ian Carter, Alyssa Jane, and Arabella Kate Hurst, great grandchildren Emma Wynne, Cooper Wynne, James David Parker, and Hallie Hughes and niece Kim Juday
M.C. provided service to his Lord Jesus Christ, his country, and his community, while he enjoyed fishing on the lake, riding the tractor on his farm, and spending time with his family. M.C. was a witty, friendly, and compassionate man who loved the Lord and counseled many. We have been blessed to have him in our lives and rejoice that he is in heaven.
The family will receive friends Sunday January 3rd from 1 until 4 PM at Gap Creek Baptist Church. The funeral service will follow at Gap Creek Baptist Church. The graveside service will be Tuesday January 5th at 11:30 AM in the East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery with military honors.
Ministers: Rev. Terry England and Rev. Michael Stooksbury
Singers: Niece Kim Juday, Chelsea Estes and Jane Cox
Pallbearers: Mark Hurst, Ian Hurst, Mark Hughes, Micah McCarter, Ethan Powell, Garrett Tucker, Gary Tucker, Ray Turner and Ley Wynne
