Rep. Mike Carter
Rep. Mike Carter, 67, died Saturday night after suffering from pancreatic cancer.
He earlier had a very serious bout with Covid-19.
Prior to going to the state legislature, he was an attorney and served as a General Sessions Court judge.
He had represented District 29 since 2012.
At one time, he was an assistant county attorney representing the Sheriff's Office.
He graduated from Middle Tennessee State University and got his law degree from University of Memphis.
Speaker Cameron Sexton said, “It is with great sadness that our friend and colleague Chairman Mike Carter has left this life, but it is with great comfort that he was a man of faith and now has God’s greatest gift - eternal life. Chairman Carter was an effective and dedicated public servant. His love of service to his community and to Tennessee was surpassed only by his love for God. Mike will be greatly missed by all who knew him; we extend our prayers for God’s comfort and peace, as well as our deepest sympathies to the Carter family during this difficult time.”
The current Hamilton County general judges issued the following statement:
"We are deeply saddened to hear about the death of our colleague, former General Sessions Judge and State Representative Mike Carter. Some of us had the privilege and opportunity to work with Mike during his tenure as a General Sessions Court Judge. After he left the bench and pursued his calling as a state representative, we all worked very closely with Mike for the benefit of the citizens of Hamilton County, the state judiciary, and the state as a whole.
"Mike “never met a stranger.” He was a man of integrity, faith, compassion, sympathy, and kindness. He was always a calming influence even in the most trying times. While Mike’s death is a huge loss to us and his friends, Heaven has gained an angel. We are reminded of this Bible verse:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who loved his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4: 7-8.
"We miss our friend and colleague dearly and pray for Joan and the Carter family."
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 21, at Ooltewah Baptist Church, Ooltewah. Visitation is scheduled noon until 2 p.m. at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home & Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.