Tommie “Tom” Wilburn Carter Sr.

Tommie Wilburn “Tom” Carter Sr., born March 7, 1949, in Mercedes, Texas, passed away Sunday, May 3, 2026, after a hard-fought battle with bone disease and heart complications. He lived a life larger than most men could imagine — a life built on honor, courage, hard work, family, and service to the people of Texas.

Born and raised in the ranching life alongside his father, Charles “Charlie” Carter, Tom learned early what it meant to work cattle, ride the river, and live by a handshake and a man’s word. He became known as one of the last old-style river riders, scratching cattle along the Texas border and carrying on a tradition that represented the grit and spirit of South Texas.

Tom especially loved Brahman cattle and took great pride in Brahman bulls, something he admired and spoke about often throughout his life. During his ranching years, Tom worked cattle under several ranch brands, including one of the main family brands — the TC brand, with the “T” resting over the “C,” a mark representing hard work, tradition, and the Carter family legacy.

Tom proudly served his country during the Vietnam War as a Sergeant First Class and door gunner aboard Huey helicopters. He faced combat with courage and dedication, earning numerous medals and presidential commendations for his service and sacrifice to the United States of America.

After returning home from Vietnam, Tom dedicated more than 50 years of his life to law enforcement across the State of Texas. His career touched countless communities and departments, where he earned the respect of fellow officers, sheriffs, and citizens alike. Throughout his decades of service, he served as Deputy Sheriff, Investigator, Constable, Detective Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief, Chief of Police, and DEA Agent.

His law enforcement career included service with the sheriff’s departments of Kleberg County, Hidalgo County, Real County, San Patricio County, Uvalde County, Bee County, Live Oak County, Edwards County, Sutton County, and Schleicher County. He also served as Constable in Kleberg County, Detective Sergeant for the Aransas Pass Police Department, Police Officer for Port Aransas, and rose through the ranks with the City of Mathis from Investigator to Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief, and ultimately Chief of Police in Bishop, Texas.

Tom’s life was never limited to law enforcement alone. He was deeply involved in trucking, transportation, oilfield operations, ranching, and business management throughout his life. He owned and operated 18-wheelers hauling produce across the Northwest, Southeast, and back into Texas. He managed trucking companies, oilfield companies, and regional operations, carrying with him a lifetime of knowledge, leadership, and stories that could fill volumes.

He also helped operate Carter’s Restaurant, remembered by many for its food, friendships, and true Texas hospitality.

Tom was a proud Mason and member of Masonic Lodge #622 in Leakey, Texas.

Outside of work, Tom was an avid deer hunter and outdoorsman who loved the ranching way of life. He valued family above all and spent his later years working alongside his son building Delta X, a law enforcement apprehension and search-and-rescue company founded on the same principles he lived by his entire life — loyalty, protection, and service.

Tom also had a special love for his little dog, Rowdy, his loyal puppy and constant companion who stayed close by his side.

Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Yvonne S. Carter; his parents, Charles Weldon “Charlie” Carter and Donah Fay Mitchell Carter; his brothers, Charles Weldon “Charlie” Carter Jr. and Chester William Carter; and his sister, Kathern Gayle Richter.

He is survived by his son, Tommie Wilburn Carter Jr. and wife Karla Carter; his daughter, Carrie Carter Garcia and husband Alfonso Garcia; his sister, Cheryl Faske; his grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; extended family members; fellow officers; veterans; lifelong friends; and all those whose lives he impacted throughout his extraordinary journey.

Tommie Wilburn Carter Sr. leaves behind a legacy few men could match — cowboy, river rider, Vietnam veteran, lawman, businessman, hunter, father, grandfather, Mason, and proud Texan. His stories, wisdom, toughness, and heart will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched across Texas and beyond.

The badge may be laid to rest, but the legacy of Tommie “Tom” Carter Sr. will ride on forever.

“A true Texas lawman is not measured by the badge on his chest, but by the courage in his heart, the lives he protects, and the sacrifices he carries long after the sirens fade. Tom Carter stood the line through war, hardship, and decades of service — a man of grit, honor, and unwavering loyalty to Texas and its people.”

Pallbearers:

• Delta X UAS Officer Tommie Carter Jr.

• Harris County Constable Precinct 4 Jack Perkins

• Harris County Constable Precinct 4 Matthew Salazar

• Three Rivers Police Officer Mike Morano

• Department of Veterans Affairs Police Lieutenant Chet Blue

• Retired Chief Deputy Armando Garcia

Honorary Pallbearers:

• Retired Officer Fred Saldiña

• Retired Officer Arther Garrison

• Retired Officer Kevin Behr

• San Patricio County Sheriff Deputy Marcus Perez

• San Patricio County Sheriff Oscar Rivera

• Texas DPS Officer Whitney Gardner

• Regarded as a Brother Elias Perez

Services Performed By:

Church of Christ Pastor Jamie Wootton

Funeral / Flower Arrangements:

Galloway & Sons Funeral Home

409 N. Tyler St. Beeville, Texas 78102 361-358-2512

Curry’s Nursery & Floral

1604 US Hwy 281 Three Rivers, Texas 78071 361-786-9921