Paul Edward "Ed" Carter
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Paul Edward "Ed" Carter of Dripping Springs, TX passed away on Wednesday, June 22nd, 2022 at the age of 76. The son of Charles and Marie Carter, Ed was born in Knoxville, TN on March 5th, 1946. Ed moved to Texas in 1985 and made Dripping Springs his home for 32 years. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother and he will be missed dearly.
Ed dedicated his life to public health. After earning a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in public health from the University of Tennessee, Ed proudly served the American Lung Association (ALA) with distinction for 39 years. In 1969 he began his career working to end lung disease at the Florida Tuberculosis & Respiratory disease association. During his tenure at the ALA, Ed served as Program Director at the ALA of The Gulf Coast in Florida, as Assistant Executive Director of the Central Ohio Lung Association, then as President and CEO of the ALA of Nebraska from 1976 to 1985 and as CEO of the ALA of Texas from 1985 to 2005. At the end of his career Ed also served as Regional VP for the ALA's national office. Ed was elected by his colleagues to serve on the Congress of Lung Association Staff Governing Council and was later elected to serve as its President in 1990-91. Upon his retirement, Ed's peers praised him as an expert in the public policy arena and for his leadership, integrity, innovative fund raising programs and dedication to combating TB, COPD, asthma and other lung diseases. His tireless work resulted in legislation and regulations aimed at reducing the incidence of tobacco use and increasing stringent clean air controls.
Ed loved working in his yard, often spending hours tending to his trees, plants and flowers. He was a lifelong basketball fan and played the position of forward at Knoxville Catholic High School before earning a scholarship to play for Saint Bernard College in Cullman, AL. In retirement he and his wife Judy travelled extensively. He visited all but two US states and enjoyed his trips through Canada, the Caribbean, many countries in Europe, as well as Australia and New Zealand.
Ed is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 33 years, Judy Carter, his parents Charles and Marie Carter, brother Sam Carter and sister Rose Sanders. He leaves behind his daughter Christy Litz (Chris) of Round Rock, TX, son Corey Carter (Mary) of Austin, TX, step-son Tony Loretti and step-daughter Stephanie Roush (Daniel) both of Tulsa, OK, as well as grandchildren Caleb Litz (Julia) and Claire Litz of Round Rock, TX, Nora Jones-Crupper (Cameron), Isabella Marie Loretti, Emma Roush and Eva Roush all of Tulsa, OK and sister Charlotte Dorsey of Knoxville, TN.
The family wishes to thank the caregivers and staff of Arbor Terrace of Lakeway and Maravilla at The Domain for taking care of him in his final years.
A memorial service will be held at 1pm on Saturday, July 9th at Harrell Funeral Home, 4435 Frontier Trail, Austin, TX with visitation from 12-1pm. In lieu of flowers, Ed's family welcomes donations to the Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA.org/donate/).