TTCA Mourns the Death of ‘09 Hall of Fame Member Mel Carter

 December 2, 1941 - December 20, 2020

Melvin (“Mel”) Ralph Carter, 79, of Lubbock passed away on Sunday, December 20, 2020. He was born December 2, 1941 in Gasoline, TX, to Ralph and Hattie Lois (Broxson) Carter. He married Donna Kaye Richardson on his birthday in 1978. Mel earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Texas Tech and began a career as a tennis coach and teacher. Mel was a very successful coach, being inducted into the Texas Tennis Coaches Hall of Fame in 2009. Mel enjoyed sports and would attend high school and college basketball games any time he could. He loved traveling to the mountains, writing poetry to commemorate special moments in life, befriending any dog he encountered, and he especially enjoyed his newest title of “Papaw” to his adoring grandchildren. Mel was a kid at heart who knew how to make anyone smile – especially with his well-known Donald Duck impression. The only thing that surpassed Mel’s love for his family was his love for the Lord. He was an active member of Quaker Avenue Church of Christ for 40+ years where he made memories with many of his closest friends.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 42 years, Donna; daughters Melanie Wise and husband Pete of Nashville, TN, Melissa Liscano and husband Miguel of Austin, and two grandchildren – Carter and Hattie.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Hattie Lois Carter; sister, Mozelle Hedrick, and brother-in-law Larry Hedrick.

A private graveside service will be held for the family with a Celebration of Life to be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Christian Relief Fund and Mercy Multiplied.