carter21

Yes I understand that some would question or wander why this would be on a football message board. The reason I chose this site is because it is a AAA message board which is what our community competes in and many of his former players were unaware of his condition. I also chose to put it on here to show how great the sport of football really is. He coached over 1000 kids in 42 years of coaching, he retired this past season. When he was diagnosed with Parkinsons 8 years ago, he stepped down from coaching due to his speech getting worse. However when he got back involved a few years later, he had a new lease on life. Kids still had a passion to play for this, legend at least in their eyes. I just thought I would share a story of an amazing role model, leader, and strong Christian based man who taught so much to so many. A way for me to say thanks and share memories of a football legend from a small town.

His story is on the Smyrna Youth Football League Facebook page where they have kept people updated.

Donnie Carter, a lifetime fixture in the Smyrna Youth Football League has been fighting for his life since taking a fall and sustaining life threatening injuries to his head. He is in the process of going to Alive Hospice in Nashville Tennessee where he will more than likely be going to see his Lord and Savior. Coach Carter dedicated his life to mentor young football players and teach them a little about football, but a whole lot about life. Please keep him and his family in your prayers and do not take one second on this earth for granted, because you never know what tomorrow brings.