Mike Carter and I became close friends over the years after serving with him as members of the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Affairs.
I always called him Judge Carter because he was a former General Sessions judge. He and I didn't always agree on some issues, but we never lost our respect and friendship for one another.
Chairman Carter and I talked many times about government issues and he always stayed on top as a champion for the people he represented.
I will miss our visits at our favorite barbecue place. I will miss his wise counsel on numerous issues and the friendships that came with those many conversations.
I remember the last communication I had with him and he said, "Mayor, please pray for me," and I did.
Mike always attended our Cleveland 100 annual meetings honoring our first responders.
I will miss him. No man ever stood taller defending citizen rights than Mike Carter.
Mayor Emeritus Tom Rowland
Mayor of Cleveland 1991-2018
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I was sorry to learn of the loss of my friend Mike Carter. Mike and I both had our office chambers on the 2nd floor in the courthouse just doors apart.
Mike was a wonderful man and a great judge. He was a person of good character and principle. He could be stern or compassionate with people but he was always fair.
While in the legislature he did much for this community. He increased teacher pay, passed legislation to stop emission testing and prevented over aggressive annexation by cities.
He touched many lives.
It is my hope that this community or in particular State District 29 will name something in Mike’s honor and carry on his legacy.
Russell Bean
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When you mention Mike Carter in Hamilton County most anyone that has been around these neck of the woods could tell you they have heard of him.
If you were lucky enough to spend some time with him then you know what at great story teller he was and if you listened real close you most likely could learn something from those stories.
He loved to talk about his wife and boys. He would say how lucky he was to have them and how proud he was of them.
One thing is for sure, the citizens of Hamilton County and the great State of Tennessee have lost a man that was looking out for us all.
God bless Mike and his family.
Ben Wilson
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Mike Carter was a kind and good man. In past years Mike found time to stop by for a visit after conducting business in the Courthouse. It was a joy to hear him express his love for Jesus Christ.
When he began serving in the legislature it was an honor to receive a call from him with legislative news of interest, or an email updating me on repeal of the emissions law that he and Senator Bo Watson championed.
More recently, it was my honor to assist him and Joan with business in the Clerk’s office as he prepared for the future transition.
His outstanding service, friendly smile and the “Mr. Clerk” he referred to me as will always be remembered and appreciated.
Bill Knowles
Hamilton County Clerk