Jack Howard McCarter

Jack Howard McCarter, a U.S. Navy veteran and friend to all he met, died Monday, January 31, 2022 at a local hospital, six weeks shy of his 94^th birthday.

A story-teller, charmer, amazing uncle, avid traveler and man who spread joy each and every day, he was a “Resident Ambassador” for The Bridge in Ooltewah, and an ambassador for his Savior his entire life.

Born March 13, 1928, Jack spent most of his life in Bradley County and was employed by Olin Chemical until his retirement in the 1980s. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and in the Air Force Reserves. He was a lifelong member of McDonald United Methodist Church and the McDonald Ruritan Club.

He was preceded in death by his wife, the former Betty Jo Benton, parents John and Martha Burns McCarter, and brothers and their wives, Frank and Dorothy Watkins McCarter, Newton and Inez Brock McCarter and Billy and Nelda Schabell McCarter.

He is survived by four nephews, Michael (Jane) McCarter of Chattanooga, Bryan (Lynn) McCarter and Mark (Patricia) McCarter of Huntsville and Nathan McCarter of McDonald, and niece Renee Woodby of McDonald. He is also survived by numerous grand- and great-grand nephews and nieces. Jack is also survived an extended family that includes Karen Whaley and James Blanks, Betty Nell and Grady Schabell, Cletis Bailey, and the staff and residents at The Bridge in Ooltewah, where he spent a glorious final four years of his life.

The family will greet visitors beginning at noon on Friday, February 4, 2022 at Ralph Buckner Funeral Home and Crematory. Services will begin at 2 pm in the chapel of the funeral home, with Tony Kinder presiding. A private burial at Lee Cemetery in McDonald will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital (www.stjude.org) or the Alzheimer’s Association (www.act.alz.org).  The family also asks that, in tribute to Jack, if you have a cherished uncle, pick up the phone today and call him to say hello.

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the McCarter family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com.