James C. Carter

MIDLAND James Conway Carter, of Midland, passed away Wednesday, October 31, 2007.

He was born June 3, 1925 to J.W. Carter and Gladys Broyles Carter in Valley View, Texas which is near Wichita Falls. After high school graduation he became a ship welder in Houston, Texas. James proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force. After serving, he attended Texas Tech University. While in college he was a dancing instructor, waiter, and cheerleader. After graduating with a Bachelors degree in 1950, he met Elouise Williams from Olton, Texas.

They were married December 30, 1950 in Lubbock. Shortly thereafter, the couple moved to Midland and founded Carter's Stop & Swap, a used furniture and appliance business, which later became Carter's Furniture. James was an avid fisherman, handball player, as well as a private pilot. His memberships included Kelview Heights Baptist Church and Lions Club. He was also a Gideon, and a Southwest Home Furnishings director. James was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, and businessman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Moselle Simpson, and one brother, Terry Carter.

James is survived by his wife of 56 years, Elouise Carter of Midland, TX; daughter, Diane Dawson Moore and her husband, Harold, of Odessa, TX; sons, Steve Carter of Midland, TX, and Tim Carter and his wife, Laura, of Midland, TX; grandchildren, Kimberly Watkins of Round Rock, TX, Tye Dawson of Odessa, TX, Emily Carter of Midland, TX, and A.J. Carter of Midland, TX; great-grandchildren, Zane, Faith, and Gregory Watkins of Round Rock, TX; brothers and sisters-in-law, Johnny and Louise Carter of Grand Prairie, TX; Don and Wilma Carter of New Port Richey, FL; Bill and Barbara Birth of Heber Springs, AR; and sister-in-law, Dorothy Carter of Big Spring, TX.

The family will receive friends at Ellis Funeral Home, Friday, November 2, 2007, from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Funeral services have been scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 3, 2007, at Ellis Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Jerry Berry officiating. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Tye Dawson, Chris Birth, David Hernandez, Greg Galvan, Greg Frost, and Pat Fairchild. Honorary pallbearers are Lloyd Heineman, Bill Birth, and Harold Moore.

Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home, 801 Andrews Hwy., Midland, Texas 79701 (432) 683-5555.

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