DIXIE CROW ICON John Wayne Carter Passes
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Long-time Dixie Crow member John Wayne Carter passed away in September. John was a member of the Association of Old Crows for many years during his Air Force career and a member of the Dixie Crows since he moved to Warner Robins from Omaha, NE, in 1980. John Wayne was considered our president emeritus, having held almost every office in the Dixie Crows from president on down. John Wayne, for many years was the chair of the Dixie Crow Social Committee until resigning a few years ago due to his health. John Wayne always noted that if "having fun" was involved, then he was in charge!
Upon retiring from the Air Force as a chief master sergeant of 27 years, John Wayne decided to move to Warner Robins in 1980 and work for Northrop Grumman in the Avionics Complex on Robins AFB. After a year on base, he decided it was time for a change and moved to the newly erected Northrop Grumman Complex on Highway 247, where he was one of the first employees in the new building. John worked out of that complex for another 20 years before retiring once again.
Over the years, he was a wealth of information and knowledge not only to the Dixie Crows but to the avionics community as a whole; his connections with the EW and local community were recognized by this chapter and AOC headquarters. John Wayne left behind his lovely bride of 50 years, Shirley Ann, a daughter, three sons and many grandchildren. John Wayne introduced their oldest son Greg to the Dixie Crows upon his retirement from the Air Force. Greg has been a continuous board member of the Dixie Crow chapter since 2000, and he has now taken over the legacy established by his pops as the chair of the Social Committee.
Per John Wayne and Ann’s wishes, there will not be a memorial service or funeral. John Wayne donated his organs and his body was taken to Mercer University Hospital for research in a quest for doctor’s to evaluate and test in an attempt to solve the complex issues and find a cure for cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer's. John Wayne’s memory will forever live on in all of us!
Upon retiring from the Air Force as a chief master sergeant of 27 years, John Wayne decided to move to Warner Robins in 1980 and work for Northrop Grumman in the Avionics Complex on Robins AFB. After a year on base, he decided it was time for a change and moved to the newly erected Northrop Grumman Complex on Highway 247, where he was one of the first employees in the new building. John worked out of that complex for another 20 years before retiring once again.
Over the years, he was a wealth of information and knowledge not only to the Dixie Crows but to the avionics community as a whole; his connections with the EW and local community were recognized by this chapter and AOC headquarters. John Wayne left behind his lovely bride of 50 years, Shirley Ann, a daughter, three sons and many grandchildren. John Wayne introduced their oldest son Greg to the Dixie Crows upon his retirement from the Air Force. Greg has been a continuous board member of the Dixie Crow chapter since 2000, and he has now taken over the legacy established by his pops as the chair of the Social Committee.
Per John Wayne and Ann’s wishes, there will not be a memorial service or funeral. John Wayne donated his organs and his body was taken to Mercer University Hospital for research in a quest for doctor’s to evaluate and test in an attempt to solve the complex issues and find a cure for cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer's. John Wayne’s memory will forever live on in all of us!
