Donald Eugene McCarter

Born in Kings Mountain, NC., Dec 17, 1935, to Oscar and Aline McCarter, Don graduated from Kings Mountain High School in 1954. He earned an associate of arts degree from Lees McRae Junior College, Banner Elk, NC in 1956 and attended the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, GA. before being selected to attend the United States Air Force Academy, where he graduated in 1961.

Don entered active duty at Reese Air Force Base, TX, where he completed pilot training in 1962. During his time at Reese AFB, he met the love of his life, Johnnie, on a blind date with mutual friends in Lubbock, TX. Though her parents were skeptical of Johnnie dating the ‘fly-boy’ from San Antonio, he earned their trust and her heart. They married in 1966.

Don’s first assignment was with the USAF Logistics Command at Kelly AFB, TX., where he flew the C-124 Globemaster (aka ‘Old Shaky’). In February 1968, he was assigned to the 608th Military Airlift Support Squadron at Cam Rhan Bay, Vietnam, where he volunteered to fly the C-47 ‘Skytrain’ for low altitude support missions as an additional duty while serving with the Air Base Wing (Johnnie was not notified of this decision until a later date!). Before leaving the cockpit to join the Air Staff in August 1973, Don also flew the C-54 ‘Skymaster’ and C118 ‘Liftmaster’ aircraft for the 1155th Technical Operation Squadron out of McClellan AFB, CA. After his flying days were done, he liked to say that he was ‘flying a desk’ when describing his later assignments at the US Pentagon, Naval Training Center, Orlando, FL. and AFTAC Commands at Patrick AFB, FL. and Lindsey Air Station in Wiesbaden, Germany.

After more than 6,000 flight hours and 30 years of service, Don retired at the rank of Colonel from the USAF as the Director of Logistics, Headquarters, Air Force Technical Applications Center, Patrick AFB, FL in 1991. His decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal.

After retirement from the USAF, Don and Johnnie settled in Winter Park, FL, where they had many wonderful years making memories with their friends, children, and grandchildren. He was an active member in the Winter Park Presbyterian Church, serving as an Elder, Deacon and Bible study leader at times. He loved to spend time with his immediate and extended family in the mountains of NC. He was enthusiastic about sharing his gardening skills and he never…never missed an opportunity to get on the tennis court with family and friends.

Don is preceded by his parents, Oscar and Aline McCarter, brother Jerry McCarter, sister in love Helen McCarter and brother in love Paul Ham. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Johnnie, his two daughters, Shannon Laegeler and Rachel Broome and son Ryan McCarter; sons in love Tom Laegeler, Bryan Broome and daughter in love Robin McCarter; sister Dorothy Ham and brother Neil McCarter; grandchildren Macy Laegeler, Alex Broome, and Olivia McCarter along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who love him dearly.