Thomas Grady Carter passed away at 7:58 p.m. on Oct. 18, 2010, in Clanton, from the effects of lung cancer.

Tommy was the son of Grady Lee and Evelyn Louise Sanford Carter, who preceded him in death in 1966 and 1997, respectively. He was born in Clanton, April 22, 1949, and was the youngest of two children. He was a 1967 graduate of Chilton County High School and obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in physics and mathematics from the University of Montevallo in 1971.

He continued the Carter family tradition of working for, then eventually owning and operating, Carter Radio and TV in Clanton. Upon closing the business five years ago, the business location on Sixth Street was sold to his first cousins, Danny and Tim Carter, in which C&C Trophy and Sign now operates. Since that time, Tommy had been employed by C&C.

Tommy was involved in many organizations and was always busy serving his church and community. He served on two mission trips to Ecuador. He was the Clanton Lions Club Lion of the Year for 2005-2006, was a long time member of the Chilton County Rescue Squad, and received two Man of the Year Awards from the United Methodist Women. Tommy was extremely dedicated to the United Methodist Men and could always be found at Pancake Day, cooking for Ladies’ Night Out, etc. For more than 30 years, Tommy was “the sound man” at First United Methodist Church’s lakeside worship service (River Church). He also worked concessions at Upward Bound Basketball since its inception.

Tommy was a member of the Clanton Masonic Lodge No. 423. He was Worshipful Master of the Lodge for 1985-1986, was Mason of the Year for 1998-1999 and was the Lodge’s current treasurer. He was also a member of the Clanton Order of the Eastern Star No. 271, was Past Patron and was the current Associate Patron.

Tommy is survived by a brother, Joe Marvin Carter (Mary Evelyn), and two nieces, Leah Carter (Jim) Ballard and Angela Carter.

Funeral services will be held Oct. 21 at the First United Methodist Church in Clanton. Visitation will be from 1-3 p.m., with the service starting at 3. Masonic graveside services will immediately follow at Martin Memorial Gardens. Honorary pallbearers are members of the Masonic Fraternity and the Clanton Lions Club.

Tommy was a dear friend, an outstanding person, a devout Christian and he will be greatly missed.