CARTER, THOMAS EUGENE Petty Officer First Class Thomas E. Carter ("Sonny") passed away after a long battle with cancer, at his home with his family by his side on September 29, 2012. Sonny retired from the United States Navy with thirty years of service. During his naval career he completed five tours in the Vietnam War, where he received numerous medals and awards for his dedicated service. Following his retirement from the U.S. Navy, Sonny lived with his wife of forty-three years, Elizabeth, in Bessemer, AL. He worked and later retired from Griffin Wheel in Bessemer, AL. He is preceded in death by his father, Thomas Edgar Carter; his mother, Margie Hardeman Carter; and his younger brother, William Curtis Carter. Sonny is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; two sons and their wives, James and Stacie Carter of Alabaster, AL and Michael and Cassie Carter of Trussville, AL; The light of his eyes were his two grandsons, Andrew and Ethan, along with his granddaughter, Kayla. In addition, Sonny has two sisters, Delores Carter Holsombeck and Jean Burton (Albert); one brother, Roger Dale Carter. Due to his distinguished navel career, Sonny will be honored with a military funeral and burial service. All services will be held at Patterson-Forest Grove Funeral Home in Pleasant Grove, AL. The services will be on Tuesday, October 2, 2012 at 12 Noon. the family will receive visitors prior to the service from 11:00 A.M. till service time. Reverend George Carneal of Industrial Baptist Church in Hueytown, AL will officiate the service. Burial will be in Forest Grove Memorial Gardens. >