William Donald Carter

William Donald “Don” Carter, age 75, of Bryan and Lufkin, Texas, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2024, in Lufkin, Texas, surrounded by his family leaving behind a legacy of love and memories that will forever remain with all that knew and loved him.

Don was born on November 6, 1949, in Houston, Texas, to Tilmon J. Carter and Nancy Virginia Carter (née Dabney). He spent much of his childhood in Liberty, Texas, where he thrived academically and excelled athletically in baseball, track, basketball, and football.

He graduated from Liberty High School in 1968 earning a football scholarship to Texas Christian University, where he lettered in football. Don earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from TCU in 1974, where he was known for his quick wit, kind heart, sharp mind and charming charisma.

Don earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Houston School of Pharmacy and devoted his career to helping others, working as a pharmacist. He fulfilled his childhood dream of owning his own business immediately out of pharmacy school opening Carter Community Pharmacy in Newton, Texas, where he served the small East Texas community for nearly a decade. Don then went to work as retail pharmacist for many years before settling in as a hospital pharmacist, most recently working at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital until his retirement in 2013.

As a child and young adult, Don treasured time spent fishing with his brother, Dan, and his beloved uncle, Robert Dabney, at his grandmother’s beach house in Gilchrist, Texas. These fishing trips, filled with laughter and memories, were among his happiest times. Don also enjoyed playing golf, and specifically enjoyed sharing his love of golf with his sons. He was also a lifelong fan of Elvis Presley’s music, finding comfort in both the timeless songs and the memories they evoked. One of the simple pleasures of his life was savoring a cold Coca-Cola, always with as much extra ice as possible.

Don always had a soft spot for animals of any kind, never missing an opportunity to feed stray cats until they were tame house pets. He would hand feed mixed nuts and sunflower seeds to squirrels in the neighborhood to the point that they recognized his car and would rush to greet him when he arrived home. Most of all he loved all “puppy dogs”, but none more than two of the best friends he ever had - “Heineken”, a dachshund, and “Misti”, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

In his later years, Don’s greatest source of happiness came from his grandchildren. He took immense pride in their lives, always eager to hear about their activities and accomplishments while making every effort to see them as often as he could.

He was preceded in death by his parents, T.J. and Nancy Carter, and his beloved grandparents, J.D. and Stella Carter and William “Doc” and Edmona Dabney.

Don is survived by his five children, who received his unconditional love and acceptance and were his pride and joy: Celeste Carter Blackburn and her husband Kelly (The Woodlands), Matthew Donald Carter and his wife Melissa (College Station), Terrell Carter James and her husband Bryan (Chicago), Dana Carter Hughes and her husband Sam (Lufkin), and Cody MacJackson Carter-Murphy and his husband Mark (Dallas). He also leaves behind ten grandchildren whom he cherished more than anything in the world: Thomas Cade Blackburn (16), Natalie Gail Carter (15), Meagan Celeste Carter (15), Hollan Cline Blackburn (13), Coraline Kathleen James (8), Piper Kaywin Hughes (4), Theo Dennis James (3), Silas William James (3), Graham Armstrong Hughes (2), and Thomas Wylie Hughes (4 months).

In addition to his children and grandchildren, Don is survived by his brother, Dr. J. Daniel Carter and his wife Barbara (Lufkin), and his sister, Carolyn Carter Bell and her husband Mike (Lufkin). Throughout his life, Dan and Carolyn were steady sources of support for Don, and he trusted and relied on them deeply. His relationship with them was a source of inspiration for Don’s children.

Don was also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends including Deborah Boot, who was a lifelong friend and became an important and enduring part of his life in his later years. Her unwavering support, compassion, and friendship were a great comfort to Don during his final years.

Don's legacy will live on through the many cherished memories he created with those who loved him. His kindness, penchant for going above and beyond to create memorable experiences, and the unconditional love he gave to his family will never be forgotten.

A private burial will take place on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 10:00 AM in Shepherd, Texas in a family cemetery. He will be buried next to his beloved uncle, Robert Dabney, on land where he spent many memorable childhood summers.

Pallbearers will be his sons, Matt Carter and Cody Carter; his grandson, Cade Blackburn; and his nephews, Jason Carter, Chris Bell, and Adam Carter.

His family would also like to acknowledge the employees at Hospice in the Pines for their compassion and care during his final days.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Winnie Berry Humane Society of Angelina County, 1102 N. John Redditt Drive, Lufkin, Texas 75904, or online at  https://angelinacountyhumanesociety.org/donate/ in Don's memory.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.