Lewis L. Carter

Colonel (Retired) Lewis L. Carter, age 84 of Dahlonega passed away on Wednesday, July 6, 2022. He was born at home in Flowery Branch on January 21, 1938 to the late Lovelace (L.B.) Carter and the late Gertrude Kytle Carter. Although Lewis had been battling declining health for the last few years, he handled it just like he handled everything- without complaining and full of grace. Even on the days when Lewis felt the weakest, he was always gracious and always welcoming. If you came to see him, he would meet you with a smile and the biggest hug you could imagine.   

Upon graduating from North Georgia College as a Distinguished Military Graduate, Col Carter became a highly decorated Vietnam helicopter pilot. Col Carter retired after a 26-year career in the U.S. Army. During his career he was selected to command two battalions. His awards and

decorations include the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star

with oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Air

Medal with Valor 20 times, among others. He was a Master Aviator and

authorized to wear the Combat Infantryman Badge awarded to him by the 5th

Special Forces Group.

He was a loving husband and dedicated to his wife Tona for 61 years. He met his wife on the square in Dahlonega at his future in-laws restaurant in the late 1950's. After graduating, they toured the country together for the next 26 years. He loved to hunt and fish and was best known for his kindness, wisdom, integrity, delicious chocolate cakes and extremely sneaky and dangerous margaritas that he learned to make from a Mexican General in El Paso, Texas. His children and grandchildren will always remember him for his “40 mile stories”. He was always the smartest man in the room and was a true intellectual warrior. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was truly a joy to be around. 

He left us a good name and was our "John Wayne".

In addition to both parents, he is preceded in death by his loving wife of 61 years, Tonawanda “Tona” Carter; and sisters, Juanita Simpson and Selena Morrow. 

He is survived by his children, Bonnie (Glen) Smith, James (Kathy) Carter, and John (Cheryl) Carter; brother, Lee Carter; grandchildren, Levi (Codie) Smith, Samantha Smith, Mera Smith, Brad Stallard, Justin Stallard, Sean Travis, P.J. Travis, Abby Carter, Joseph Carter, Jack Carter, and Lily Carter; and great-grandchildren, Alex Thompson and Kipton Smith. He is also survived by numerous friends and other relatives.

A graveside service is scheduled for Saturday, July 9, 2022 at 11:00 AM in Dahlonega Memorial Park with military honors being presented. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, July 8 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Col Carter to the Wounded Warrior Project. Donations may be sent to P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516

The family would like to say "Thank You" to the many caregivers of Comfort Keepers Home Care and Amedisys Home Health, who stayed with Lewis through his final weeks. Your kindness, professionalism and friendship will forever be remembered by our family.   

To share a memory of Col Carter or to send a condolence to the family, please visit andersonunderwood.com.