Donald Kyle Carter

Donald "Kyle" Carter, known fondly as "Kyle," departed into eternal peace on the morning of December 1st, 2025. He is survived by his loving wife, Nuanchawee "Lek" Carter; his three children, Nakarin "Nick" Chaiyaton, Jutamas "Jessie" Chaiyaton, and Jutarat "Amy" Chaiyaton and her daughter Azaria "Za" Poe; his siblings Karen "Kay," Jimmy, Chris, and Korin; his mother Ross Smith and stepfather Craig Smith; his beloved dogs Lucky and Mayzie; and a host of cherished friends.

Born on February 16th, 1959, in Gastonia, North Carolina, to Ross Smith and the late Bobby Carter, Kyle became a radiant blessing to all who were drawn to his light. A quick-witted athlete, he participated in sports throughout high school, later coaching his son's youth league basketball team. His intelligence flourished as he furthered his education—a proud graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts.

A desk job held little appeal for Kyle, and with a passion to serve and the self-discipline to match, he joined the Army. Seeing the world and defending our country, Kyle served in many places, including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Thailand, and South Korea. During this journey, he met his beautiful wife and embraced three children as his own, forged lifelong friendships, and created memories that will live on forever. He completed his Master of Science in Management during his military service and, after 25 years, retired as a decorated Lieutenant Colonel on December 1st, 2007.

Among his many military honors, Kyle was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal with sixth award, the Army Commendation Medal with fifth award, the Army Achievement Medal with second award, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and the South West Asia Service Medal with Bronze Service Star. His distinguished service exemplified his unwavering commitment to excellence and his country.

Following his retirement from the Army, he continued his career in government service when he worked at Redstone Arsenal for the Missile Defense Agency. He served in a number of positions of responsibility, from the THAAD Project Office, Acquisition Policy, Targets, and the MiDAESS Program Office to various positions within the Contracting Directorate. Kyle respected his job and those around him until his retirement as a civil servant on December 31st, 2023.

Throughout his life, until his leukemia advanced, he enjoyed golf, going to the range, cycling, mountain biking, and spending afternoons throwing rubber balls for his dogs in his backyard. He loved dining out with his granddaughter and listening to Joel Osteen.

Kyle was a man of quiet strength and unwavering character. Behind his dry sense of humor—which his closest friends and family were privileged to understand—was a deeply private and humble man. Most people never knew the pain he endured; he carried his burdens with dignity and grace. He was kind and fair, firm and honorable—a man who always had plan A, B, C, and D, and who followed through on every commitment he made and every promise he gave. Kyle gave 100% to everything he worked on, never less, even in his courageous fight against cancer.

A devoted man of faith, Kyle was a strong Christian who loved God and led his family to live by faith and trust in the Lord. Even through his darkest times, he trusted in God's plan for him. He was never angry as his cancer progressed; instead, he fought with everything he had, knowing that God had his back. Kyle hated showing pain or weakness. When asked how he was feeling, he would always reply with his trademark phrase: "Living the dream." He refused to let cancer define his final chapter or claim victory over his indomitable spirit.

Kyle's impact on those around him was immeasurable. He raised three children who weren't his by birth but were entirely his by choice and love, setting an example of what it means to be a father. His military discipline shaped not only his own life but instilled a hardworking mentality in all of his children. For his granddaughter, he was a living example of integrity, dedication, and unconditional love. Everyone who met Kyle walked away having encountered a man of principle, purpose, and profound faith.

A visitation will be held on December 8th, 2025, beginning at noon, with a service to follow at 2:00 PM at Legacy Chapel Funeral Home and Crematory in Madison, Alabama. The service will be officiated by Whitesburg Baptist Church.

Kyle lived the dream every day of his life—in service to his country, devotion to his family, and faithfulness to his God. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.