Gene Thomas Carter passed into the arms of the Lord on Sunday, May 20, 2018 following a long battle with cancer.

A Hampton resident since birth in 1942, Gene graduated from Hampton High School in 1962 and entered the interior design program at RPI(VCU) graduating in 1967. He began his design career in Atlanta, leaving to serve the U.S. Army in Vietnam, gaining the rank of Sgt E-5 and later teaching at Fort Lee, VA.

Gene returned to the Peninsula, continuing his design work at Miller and Rhoads and L & L Furniture, and in 1976, married Cheryl Meidinger.

He joined the staff of Tidewater Community College, later becoming head of the Interior Design Dept. for 21 years before retiring in 2010.

Gene was joyful and enthusiastic about all forms of art and design, history, classic films, ocean liners, architecture and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alma and Carlton Carter, his older sister, Ann Newcomb and her husband Melvin.

He is survived by Cheryl, his wife of 42 years; sister, Carolyn James; nephews, Mark and Terry James; niece, Gail Prior (Mark); great niece, Taylor and great nephew, Bryce; and Gene's two schnauzer babies, Lexie and Shelby.

Come celebrate Gene's life on June 7, 2018 at 1:00 PM at Wythe Presbyterian Church, Hampton.

The family wishes to thank Sentara Hospice at Home for their care.

Arrangements provided by R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, Hampton.