David Gates Carter

April 24, 1942 – July 3, 2026

David Gates Carter died on July 3, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was 84 years old.

David was born in Lewisburg, Tennessee. He was the son of J.E. and Annie Ruth Carter.

He graduated from Carson Newman College, Jefferson City, Tennessee. His professional life was spent as an accountant for the U.S. Army Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal.

David was preceded in death by his beloved son, Philip Monroe Carter, and his parents, J.E. (Buddy) and Annie Ruth Carter.

David is survived by his loving wife, Janet Nunley Carter; his son, Michael Carter and his wife Trisha; two grandchildren: Claire Cox and her husband Davis; Josh Carter and his wife Layne; one precious great-granddaughter named Carter Joy Cox; two brothers, Woodson Carter (Joan) and Monroe Carter (Jenny), both of Lewisburg, Tennessee.

David and Janet first joined Jackson Way Baptist Church in 1966 where he served as deacon, Sunday School teacher (for almost 50 years), and served on numerous committees through the years.

He was an excellent teacher of God’s Word and loved sharing it with those he taught (using his famous map).

He loved serving others through the Deacon Family Ministry, visiting the sick and homebound, and making hospital visits to those who needed a touch from their church.

David was a loving husband to Janet for almost 60 years. He was a devoted father, an incredible grandfather, and a proud great-grandfather.

David loved his country. He served proudly in the Tennessee National Guard, then in the Alabama Army Reserve.

David was very fond of the game of golf. He enjoyed any time he could be on a golf course. He finally achieved a “Hole in One” on April 6, 2015, playing his favorite course, RTJ.

Whether it was fall Saturdays in Knoxville or summers with his grandchildren in the Smokies, David loved his home state and cherished going to football games and the mountains with his friends and family.

David’s legacy of faith, service, love, and devotion will be remembered by all who were blessed to know him.

Services will be held at Jackson Way Baptist Church on Thursday, July 9.

Visitation will be from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM with the funeral to immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Alzheimer’s Association or Jackson Way Baptist Church.

Well done, good and faithful servant.

Matthew 25:21