Gary Dean McCarter

Gary Dean McCarter, known as “Bucky” to many of his family, passed away at home in Dandridge (TN) on May 6, 2024 at the age of 74.

Gary is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Mickie, his sons Jason (wife Tiffany) and Michael (wife Angie), grandchildren Violet, Asher, Sadie, and Emma, his brother Jack McCarter, sister Ann Wright, sisters-in-law Kathy Quarles, Becky O’Baugh, and Beverly Walker, brother-in-law Jerry Walker, his dogs Piper and Dixie, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents James and Charlotte McCarter, his parents-in-law Virgil and Bertha Walker, his brother Jimmy McCarter, sister Mary Alice Foster, sisters-in-law Gloria Rhea McCarter, Carolyn McCarter, Terrie Key, and brothers-in-law Ray Foster, George Wright, and Rodney Quarles.

Gary was born on June 10, 1949 in Jefferson City (TN). He graduated from Jefferson High School in 1967 and entered the U.S. Army soon thereafter. While enlisted, he married Mickie in 1969. In 1973, Gary began working for the Tennessee Highway Patrol as a State Trooper. After retiring from state service, he became a regional security manager for the Food City grocery stores and then, in recent years, served as a Sheriff’s deputy and supervising bailiff at the Jefferson County Courthouse.

Gary’s family and friends remember him as big character that loved to laugh and joke with others and tell stories, as well as a loving husband and father. He was a big fan of sports (especially the Lady Vols), being on Douglas Lake, and hamming it up as a jolly old grandad. Gary also loved history, western novels, and war movies.   

Gary was a member of the American Legion and often volunteered as a youth sports coach over the years.

The family will receive friends and family from 4pm - 7pm on Monday, May 13 at Farrar Funeral Home, 411 W Broadway Blvd, Jefferson City, TN 37760. The burial service, with military honors, is scheduled for Tuesday, May 14 at 2pm at the East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 2200 E Governor John Sevier Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Gary’s life.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Tennessee State Troopers Association (tnstatetroopers.com/donations). The family would like to thank the UT Medical Center Interventional Radiology staff, the UT Medical Center Hospice nurses, and the VA’s Silver Angels for their support in recent months and weeks.