Obituary for Michael L. Carter Michael Lee Carter was born on June 4, 1949 in Norton, Virginia and died on June 5, 2018 at Johnson City Medical Center, the victim of an organ disease that lasted almost a year. Although patient and cooperative throughout, he was unable to escape the disease and succumbed after being in the hospital ten days. Michael spent his early years moving from place to place with his father, William J. Carter, and mother, Belle Lee Carter, who were part of the Methodist ministry.
He participated in that ministry throughout the Holston United Methodist Conference, beginning with Seminary at Vanderbilt University School of Religion and ending with retirement in Johnson City, Tennessee in 1990. He was part of the Mission Team of the Conference during some of those years. He was active in the athletic programs of each community, especially in baseball, football, and track.
He graduated from High School at Elizabethton, Tennessee and entered college at Emory and Henry in Emory, Virginia in 1966. When his parents moved to Bearden Methodist United Church in Knoxville, Tennessee, he transferred to The University of Tennessee and graduated from there in 1970. The following years were spent in the Armed Forces.
He became part of the U.S. Army in 1971 with training in Kentucky and service in Washington D.C., where he was selected as part of the Honor Guard, a special unit that provided protection for the president and marched in parades at various times. When his time was up he returned to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where his parents had moved, and became a salesperson with an office supply agency. That was followed by seventeen years in the restaurant business, beginning with Ruby Tuesday’s in Chattanooga.
He moved to Johnson City, Tennessee a few years later and he and his father bought a sign making company, Southeast Automation, which he managed until his retirement in 2011. At that time, the death of his mother led to his move to the family home, where both father and son were retired and spent much of their time traveling together. Survivors include: father, William Carter; uncle, James Carter and his wife, Anne; first cousin, Edward Carter and members of the Lee family, Mary Irwin and Roy Lee.
The Celebration of Life for Michael will be at First United Methodist Church Sanctuary on Saturday, June 9, with visitation of friends and family at 1:15 p.m. and the worship service at 2:00 p.m. led by Pastor Jane Taylor. Music will be provided by Susan Fields and Dan Mahoney. Ushers at the church will serve as assistants.
This obituary was written and provided by the Carter family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www. tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Tetrick Funeral and Cremation Services 3001 Peoples Street Johnson City TN 37604 (423-610-7171) is honored to serve the Carter family. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Michael L. Carter please visit our Sympathy Store.
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