Tommy Roy Carter SFC (Ret.) U.S.Army

Tommy Roy Carter, of Tyler, Texas passed away on November 3, 2015 in San Antonio, Texas. Visitation and Funeral service will be held at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home on Austin Highway on November 19, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Laura Brewster of St. Andrews United Methodist Church officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery at promptly 1:30 p.m. A celebration of life with family and friends is following the ceremony at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church at 2:00 p.m.

Tommy Roy Carter was born in Tyler, Texas to Bernice Elizabeth Faglie and Houston Henry Carter on November 10, 1936. He went to high school at John Tyler High School and graduated in 1955. He went on to earn degrees of Bachelor of Science and Masters of Public Administration from East Texas State University. He worked in the Tyler iron foundry until joining the U.S. Navy in 1963. He was also in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army where he served in Vietnam from 1965-1968. He served in the military for 30 years and retired his service in October 1988. After retirement Tommy Carter worked as a pediatric LVN, a security guard, singer/songwriter and docent for the Institute of Texan Cultures. He got his most enjoyment from teaching, pediatric nursing and in later years being a father and grandfather. He received many accolades including meritorious service medals, a bronze star with valor medal, purple heart medals and army and air force commendations.

Tommy Carter is preceded in death by his mother Bernice Carter, his father Houston Carter, his brother Bud D. Carter, and his sons Michael Lee Carter and Wade Hampton Carter. Tommy Carter is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Victoria Carter Salazar, Shawn Salazar and his grandchildren Thomas and Ann Elise Salazar of San Antonio, Texas. His brother Bill C. Carter, nephews Matt and Jon Carter, niece Lindsey Carter and great-nephew Houston Carter.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to all friends and family near and far for the many prayers, support and love.

A personal statement by Tommy Carter:

“I am a soldier, a soldier in the service of my country, at all times and in all places. I am a soldier of my beliefs; personal freedom, religious freedom, political freedom, economic freedom, the pursuit of happiness for those I love, and for the greater good. I am, finally and above all, a soldier of God, in the service of my Lord, Jesus Christ, now and forever.”

A limb has fallen from the family tree.

I keep hearing a voice that says, “Grieve not for me.

Remember the best times, the laughter, the song.

The good life I lived while I was strong.

Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you.

Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through.

My mind is at ease, my soul at rest.

Remembering all, how I truly was blessed.

Continue traditions, no matter how small.

Go on with your life, don’t worry about falls

I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin.

Until the day comes we’re together again.