ELKMONT– Earlier today, numerous community members from Elkmont, Athens and all of Limestone County, as well as several local and state elected officials, gathered at Elkmont Elementary School to celebrate the life and legacy of Tommy Carter with the Representative Tommy Carter Highway Dedication Ceremony.
Carter was best known for his lifetime of public service. In 1964, he was elected to the Limestone County Board of Education for a six-year term. In 1970, Carter won his first election to the Alabama House of Representatives, and he was continually reelected to the House until he retired from his public office in 2006. He never lost a political race in his 36-year career. He passed away on Nov. 3, 2024.
The ceremony was a heartfelt tribute to Representative Carter, featuring his two children, Lisa Carter Payne and Thomas Gilbert Jr., and his three grandchildren, Thomas Gilbert Carter III, Boone Carter and Adara Carter. In a poignant moment, the family members read the official resolutions proclaiming the portion of Alabama State Highway 127, between the town of Elkmont and the city of Athens, “Representative Tommy Carter Highway.”
“The great thing about having a career as long as his is that everybody has a different Tommy Carter memory,” said Thomas Gilbert Carter III. “So, when you see the sign out there on the highway, whatever that memory is will pop up in your head. When there are so many memories to have, the sign is such a special memorial, because everybody gets to relive those memories with Tommy Carter every time they see it.”
Representative Tommy Carter’s legacy is one of dedication, service and love for his community. His tireless efforts to improve the lives of those around him have left an indelible mark on Limestone County. The outpouring of support and attendance at today’s ceremony is a testament to the high regard in which he was held.
“I remember just growing up in Elkmont, everyone knew Tommy Carter because he was the Elkmont guy,” said Limestone County Commission Chairman Collin Daly. “Of course my dad was in politics for a number of years, so he got to work closely with Tommy for several years. He fought hard for Elkmont and all of Limestone County in Montgomery. The thing that amazes me the most about the legacy of Tommy Carter is how he proved that we get more done by simply working together.”
The event was a beautiful celebration of Representative Carter’s life, and it was clear that he was deeply loved and respected by the community. The Tommy Carter Highway Dedication Ceremony was a perfect example of the impact one person can have on a community.
“Tommy Carter’s spirit of volunteerism and philanthropy inspired countless others to engage in community service, fostering a culture of giving back and making a positive difference,” said Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks. “Designating a portion of Alabama State Route 127 in honor of Tommy Carter will serve as a lasting tribute to his outstanding contributions and inspire future generations to emulate his dedication to community service.”
Media Release/Justin Travis/Communication Specialist
