Sammy Lee Carter

February 4, 1942 - July 20, 2024

Sammy Lee Carter (Sam), 82, of Albuquerque, NM, passed away July 20, 2024. Sam was born in Mena, Arkansas, on February 4, 1942, to Buddy and Catherine Carter. Much of Sam's early childhood was spent in the logging camps of Northern New Mexico, where he developed a lifelong love of mountains, trees, fishing, and big trucks. Later the family moved to Espanola, where Sam graduated from Espanola High School in 1961. As a young teenager, Sam helped at Red Johnson's OK Tire Shop in Espanola, where he learned first to repair bicycle tires and then the basics of the tire business. After graduation, Sam moved to Albuquerque, where he received his call for military service during the Vietnam War. Sam enlisted in the Army in 1964 and served as a Communications Center Specialist, with deployment to Okinawa and Thailand. He cherished the lifelong friendships developed during his military service and loved to tell stories about his experiences in boot camp and overseas during the war.

Upon discharge from the Army, Sam returned to Albuquerque and eventually established his own company – Rocky Mountain Tires. For many years Sam lived his own American dream – driving his trucks on the highways and byways of New Mexico, Colorado, and Texas, while conducting his used tire business. He enjoyed talking about his adventures on the road and the friendships he formed along the way. Unfortunately, Sam developed serious health problems in 2004 that forced him to wind down, then close his business and retire early. In retirement he enjoyed being home with family, watching his beloved Westerns on television, passionately following NASCAR Racing and the Dallas Cowboys, fishing, listening to Country Western music, and delighting in the antics and love of all his little fur babies.

Sam loved his family dearly. While his first marriage ended in divorce, he continued to be a friend to his ex-wife Barbara, a wonderful Dad to his two beloved daughters, Rhonda and Kellie, and a loving grandfather to Arthur, Tracey and Tanner. He met and married the love of his life, Elaine, becoming a wise and loving father figure to her children Natalie and Tony, and grandfather figure to Tony's son Sean. He cherished his brothers and sister and loved being uncle to their children. His strong sense of duty and commitment to family, along with his dry sense of humor and enjoyment of the simple pleasures of daily life, were a blessing and inspiration to everyone. All who loved him will miss him.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Buddy and Catherine Carter; daughter, Rhonda Dahl; stepdaughter, Natalie White; and both of his brothers, Bob and Randy Carter.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine Carter; daughter, Kellie Messer;  stepson, Tony Martin; grandchildren, Arthur Dahl, Tracey Ordonez and husband Michael, and Tanner Messer; step-grandson, Sean Martin; two great-grandchildren, Petaluna and Ivan Ordonez; sister, Carole West and husband James; sisters-in-law, Joann Carter, Jeannie Carter, Deanna Cooper and Brenda Finley; and many beloved nieces, nephews, their families, and friends who loved and will miss him.

The family is very grateful for the excellent care Sam received from the VA Hospital in Albuquerque and all of the providers of the VA Healthcare System, including Bosque Trails Hospice. An informal celebration of his life will take place at his favorite fishing spot, Fenton Lake, on August 3, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.