Tommy Ray Carter, 80, passed away peacefully in his home on July 25, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Tommy was born on March 7, 1946, in Medina, TN to the late Jewell McCaskill. He grew up in a home where the principles of discipline, excellence, and loyalty to family were central. He credited this upbringing to his parents, Jewell and Deloy McCaskill, with defining the man he would become.

He was a proud 1965 graduate and avid athlete of Northside High School. After graduating, he went on to work for TVA, ran his own business in the community of Medina called TC’s General Store, and retired from Owens Corning after 49 years. He was also a member of First Baptist Church in Medina, the Medina Lions Club, the Masonic Lodge, and a Shriner.

Tommy found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved attending and taking part in every activity of his children and grandchildren, coaching many sports including Little League baseball for over 40 years, playing on a bowling league, taking the family on vacations, going to car shows, eating with his high school friends each month, golfing and having big cookouts and stews for the entire family.

Above all else, he treasured his family. Nothing brought him greater happiness than being surrounded by those he loved, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought endless joy to him.

His greatest love, however, was his wife, Gale. Their love story was one of unwavering devotion and unconditional love. They would be celebrating their 61st wedding anniversary in August —a remarkable testament to a lifetime of love, commitment, and shared memories.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jewell and Deloy McCaskill, and his brother, Johnny Carter.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Gale Carter; his sons, Tommy Carter II (Donessa) and Brian “BJ” Carter (Brandi); his daughters, Shawn Coleman (Tommy) and Tammy Stafford (Tony); his grandchildren, Thomas “TJ” Coleman (Chelsi), Nathan Coleman, Carter McMackin (Bekah), Colton McMackin, Camron McMackin, Noah Stafford (Lexi), Luke Stafford, Maitland Carter, Greg Carter, Mabry McBroom, and Kayla McBroom and his great grandchildren Porter Floyd, Mollie McMackin, Miller McMackin, Evie Kay Shackelford, Cullen Golembieski, Caroline Golembieski, and soon to be Tripp Coleman.

He is also survived by his loving siblings, Pat Campbell, and Judy Fuller (Dan) along with many nieces and nephews and extended family members.

Tommy will be remembered for his strong work ethic, generous heart, keeping true to his word and the love he poured into his family and friends. His legacy lives on in the values he instilled, the memories he created, and the countless lives he touched.

He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

The family will receive friends for visitation at Medina First Baptist Church (97 Milan Hwy) on Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. and on Friday, July 31, from 12:00 until the time of the celebration of life service at 1:00. Burial will immediately follow the service at Centerville Cemetery.