Albert Jay Carter, Iv

Memorial services for Albert Jay Carter IV will be at 6:00pm, Wednesday, March 12 at Johnson's funeral home with Reverend Weldon Bares officiating. Visitation will begin at 4:00pm until the service at 6:00. Al was a member the Open Door Sunday School class at First United Methodist Church where he volunteered in the office as a counter. He also volunteered with food preparation at Abraham's Tent. Al is survived by his son, Dr. Jay Carter and wife Deborah, and daughter Melody Carter Jackson and husband Dana; grandchildren Chris Jackson (Dava), Jill Jackson Deason (Denny), Ashley Townsend (Brad), Savannah Carter, Aaron Carter, Quinton Carter (Courtney); and seven great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife Sherria Williams Taylor Carter and his parents, Albert Jay Carter III and Kathleen Bailey Carter. Born in Bunkie on May 10, 1930, Al attended preparatory schools on the east coast. After winning several track meets in high school, he received an invitation to football camp at Northeastern in Monroe. After two seasons, he transferred to LSU on a football scholarship where he graduated from LSU with a degree in architectural engineering. He was a member of the LSU ROTC, and at 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Reserve, he joined the Louisiana National Guard. He was promoted to 1st Lieutenant after replacing his C.O. as company leader to training in anti-aircraft at Fort Bliss. Upon moving to Lake Charles, Al worked for the Gabriel Architectural firm and was a member of the American Institute of Architects. He was also active in the YMBC and designed and built sets for the Lake Charles Little Theater. He relocated to Houston in 1970 where he was Senior Architect in charge of major projects including command centers and fire departments for the City of Houston before his retirement in 1998. Al was an avid tennis player, continuing to play singles matches until he was 76 years old. He was a member of a Chancellor's Club team in Houston in the 80's and 90's, as well as a tournament team which took many honors over the state of Texas and in regional play in Louisiana and Tennessee. After returning to Lake Charles in 2000, he joined the Racquet Club enjoying competition and fellowship with friends.