J.W. Carter

Mr. Carter was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Ellen Carter; his first wife of thirty-six years, Margaret Gross Carter; youngest daughter, Victoria “Vicky” Brinkley, and daughter-in-law, Carol Carter.

He is survived by his wife of twenty-nine years, Elaine Dunford Carter; sister Elray Mann; son Jay Carter, Jr.; eldest daughter, Cathy Smith and her husband, Dr. David Smith; daughter, Patricia “Patsy” Buhs and her husband, Dr. Arthur “Art” Buhs; stepsons Brad Dunford and Steve Dunford. Also, ten grandchildren: J Warne Carter, III, Matt Carter, Margaret “Megan” Carter, Austin Smith, Lee Ellen Hauser, Audray Buhs, Amber Buhs, Jill Dunford, Laura Dunford, and Jeffrey Dunford, and five great grandchildren: Caroline Carter, Elizabeth Carter, Alexis Carter, Lauren Carter, and Michael Hauser.

J. was born on June 26, 1923 in Wichita Falls to Raymond and Ellen Carter. As with many brave youth of his generation, J. served our nation honorably, as a member of the Army Air Force, in Europe during World War II. Prior to being deployed to Europe (in the latter part of 1944), J. was ordered to attend advanced engineering training school. There he met and, on June 22, 1944, married Margaret Gross (who would become known as “Momma Marge” to her grandchildren). Upon returning from the war, J. obtained a degree in mechanical engineering from Texas Tech University. During his tenure at college, he juggled various odd jobs to take care of his wife and their two young children, Jay, Jr. and Cathy.

From a very young age, J. exhibited a passion for innovation through mechanical design—a passion that stayed with him for the duration of his life and led him to achieve many innovative accomplishments. As a child, he designed and built flying model aircraft, as well as a steam-powered mahogany boat. Still a young man, J. developed a glass filament winding process used to fabricate the booster rockets that put our first satellites into space, and also the solid rocket motor cases for the Polaris and Minuteman missiles. For his work, J. is credited by the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum as the “Father of Filament Winding.” In 1963, J. returned home to Wichita Falls to continue his efforts at innovative design. He founded Texas Reinforced Plastics in Wichita Falls which ultimately became Ameron Pipe’s operations in Burkburnett.

From 1970-1976, J. and his son, along with local investors, developed a steam powered automobile that was the first vehicle to meet the original 1976 EPA emission standards. This innovative vehicle was featured on the cover of Popular Science in 1974. During the mid 1970’s , J. turned his attention to the creation and fabrication of wind powered turbines. He was a pioneer in the modern wind energy industry and has left a permanent legacy for advancing wind energy innovation.

In 1996, Texas Tech University admitted Mr. Carter as a member of the Academy of Mechanical Engineers for his contributions to the profession. In 2010, he was named a “Texas Wind Legend,” by the Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association, for his contributions to the modern wind energy industry.

Fostering a strong sense of family, J. passed his charisma and passion for design and innovation to those around him. It should come as no surprise that Jay, Sr. would one day inspire not only his son but also 4 grandchildren to pursue degrees in mechanical engineering. The high regard with which J. was held by his family is, without a doubt, evidenced by this legacy of engineers.

It cannot be said that J. ever entered retirement. Up until his passing, J. remained actively involved in engineering projects. Though he never “retired,” J. always enjoyed getting together with family and traveling with his dear wife, Elaine. J. was a kind and gentle man, loved dearly by all those around him, and one who greeted new comers with a smile and a welcoming hand shake. He will be missed.

Visitation at Hampton Vaughan Funeral Home Crestview Memorial Park will be Friday, August 10, from 6-8 pm and Saturday, August 11, from 9-10 am. Funeral services will immediately follow Saturday’s visitation hour, at 10 am. The officiating minister will be Mr. Carter’s son-in-law, Dr. Arthur Buhs.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Wichita Falls, 4909 Johnson Road, Wichita Falls, Texas 76310.