Harry Leon McCarter
 

     Another wonderful classmate has left us. Harry McCarter was such a good friend to everyone he met. He was always kind and doing good things that no one knew about. At our 50th Reunion, Harry donated ALL of the red and black Reunion pens that each attendee received in their packet. It is actually my favorite pen. He would not let me tell anyone. He just wanted to give a gift to each of you. Harry was special. We will miss you Harry. We send blessings and love to Denise and family.
  - Mae Bayliss Coshatt
   

Lt. Col. Harry L. McCarter
    Harry was a Christian and a longtime resident of Southside. He departed this beautiful life on Wednesday, April 7, 2021. Harry was born in Birmingham and was a 1965 graduate of Shades Valley High School. While attending Jacksonville State University he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was called to active duty during the Vietnam War and continued to serve his country for an additional 34 years.
    He was also known as a pioneer within the Air Traffic Control (ATC) community. After serving in ATC for 26 years, he was assigned as squadron commander of the 225th Combat Communications Squadron at Martin Air National Guard Station in Gadsden. Lt. Col. McCarter served with honors throughout his military career. He was awarded numerous medals and continuously recognized for outstanding achievements.
    After retirement from active duty, he was a dedicated member of the Coosa Valley Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America serving as a board member and past president. He also served as a board member and former chairman of the Gadsden Etowah Patriots Association. He was selected as the Patriot of the Year and inducted into the Gadsden Hall of Honor in 2007. Lt. Col. McCarter loved entertaining his grandkids, watching Alabama football, and loved life to the fullest. If he were able, he would tell all his friends and comrades thank you for your service.
    He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Lillie Mae McCarter; and parents-in-law, Henry and Stella Lambert. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Denise; his son Brian Spann (Sandy); daughters Marian Lorimer (Bill), Erica Jones (Daniel), and Christina Cantey (Thomas); and blessed with 12 wonderful grandchildren: Christopher, Kaitlyn, Andrew, Bryson, Daniel, Maegan, Violet, Lily, William, Waring, Harry, and Teige. He is survived by his sisters, Jane Nichols (Daniel) and Sherry Broussard; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
    Services will be held at 2pm Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at Williams Southside Funeral Home (in Gadsden). Bro. Lauil Thompson will officiate. Burial will be at Williams Southside Chapel. The family will receive friends from 1pm until time of service. Face masks are required during the entire day. The family appreciates the showing of kindness during this difficult time, but asks all guests to avoid close contact due to the pandemic.
    View obituary and online guestbook here - https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/gadsdentimes/obituary.aspx?n=harry-l-mccarter&pid=198321249

 

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