Bobby Leonard Carter passed away peacefully at his home on May 6, 2024. Bobby is survived by his son Robert Leonord Carter of Clinton, son in law Terry Justice (Lynn) of Andersonville, sister Sandra Etheridge of North Carolina, brother Johnny Carter (Sherry) of North Carolina; grandchildren Johnathan Carter (Jessica) of Sevierville, Shantina Poutre (Greg Shaffer) of Clinton, Robbie Steen of Andersonville, and Dillon Steen (Paige) of Chattanooga; great grandchildren Emily Justice Dixon (Westley) of Clinton, Savannah Justice of Clinton, Ethan Justice of Andersonville, Anna Nichols, Christopher Poutre, Bentlee Shaffer, and Dreyden Shaffer all of Clinton; great great grandchildren Brentley Green, Brooklynn Hayden, and Bryson Dixon.

Bobby was preceded in death by his wife Velma Jo (Cooper) Carter, parents Hoyle H Carter and Bettie (Avent) Carter, son "Baby" Carter, daughter Linda Carter Justice, brothers Lawrence Carter (Irene), and Douglas Carter (Nancy), grandson Brian Dean Justice, and great great granddaughter DeMyah Oxendine.

Bobby was born in Raleigh, NC on September 26, 1932. At age 19, he spent a summer in Clinton wood working with his uncle. During that summer in 1951, he met the love of his life. He and Jo were married soon after. Bobby lived the remainder of his life as a Clinton resident.

Bobby served in the Navy during Pearl Harbor (1951-1954) at North Island Naval Air Station in San Diego, CA. Bobby spent his Navy career working as a torpedo specialist and radio operator. Once his military service ended, Bobby, his wife Jo, and baby daughter Linda created a home in Clinton. Bobby began a new career at DOE and retired after 37 ½ years.

Bobby was always busy. He and Jo were very social so it wasn't surprising when they took interest in catering weddings. They opened and operated Carter's Catering for thirty years with the help of their daughter Linda, her husband Terry, and their dearest friend Marie Moore.

Bobby loved woodworking, especially building cabinets. He and Jo were quite crafty. Jo was a seamstress and enjoyed sewing doll dresses. Bobby built doll beds and anything else Jo asked of him. The two of them also enjoyed macrame and making Christmas ornaments. For several years they sold their crafts at holiday craft shows. Their quality craft work was recognized by Dollywood. Two years in a row, Bobby and Jo sold their handiwork from a booth during Dollywood's October Fall Festival. After Jo passed away, Bobby's interests shifted. He began helping his son, Robert, manage his business, Clinton Cycle Works.

Bobby and Jo were well known for their Memorial Day pig pickins. Bobby would roast a pig overnight while Jo organized side dishes and desserts. The laughter was loud and the food was incredible! While people ate, a DJ played popular tunes. When "Rocky Top" played, the crowd joined in singing as loudly as they could. Kids swam in the pool while adults danced around it. It was a time to reconnect with family and friends alike. It was the event of the season.

Bobby was one of a kind. Everyone who met him became a friend. He had a kind heart and saw good in everyone. Bobby loved his family and cherished his friends. Bobby was always the first one to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. He was loyal, honest and forgiving.

Bobby's courage did not waver during his battle with dementia in his final years. As with any other challenge he faced, he did it with a smile. Bobby stayed strong until the end.

Family and friends are invited to gather at Holley Gamble Funeral Home on Thursday, May 23 from 5:00-7:00 PM, with a service beginning at 7:00 PM. A graveside service will take place at Woodhaven Memorial Gardens on Friday, May 24 at 1:00. www.holleygamble.com