Ronald J. Carter

Ronald James "Ronnie" Carter, 74, of Abilene, passed away on September 7, 2026.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene, Texas.

Ronnie was born in Abilene to James Henry Carter and Charlotte Elnor Carter on June 1, 1952. He graduated from Abilene High School in 1970. He married Cynthia Lynn Williams on March 9, 1974, at Grace Lutheran Church in Abilene.

Ronnie spent his career working in the oilfield industry. Over the years, he worked for Don's Oilfield Construction, F&W Drilling, Smith Pipe, Circle K Oilfield Supply, Dandy's Specialties, GHX Oilfield Supply, and McCarty Equipment. He was also the owner of RJC Oilfield Construction in the 1980s. He retired in 2020 after a long career in an industry where he was well known and respected. Ronnie was a hardworking man who took great pride in providing for his family.

More than anything, Ronnie loved his family. He and Cindy shared 52 years of marriage and truly enjoyed simply being together. He was a devoted father to his daughters, Tami and Jenny, and there was never any question how much he loved them. He worked hard to give his girls a good life, was always there to support them, and took great pride in the families they went on to build. One of his greatest joys was being "Papa" to Grant, Carter, and Mackenzie. His grandchildren were a tremendous source of pride and happiness for him, and his face would light up whenever they walked into the room. Whether it was something special or just an ordinary day with the people he loved, being with his family was where Ronnie was happiest.

In his younger years, Ronnie enjoyed fishing and golfing. The family spent many weekends at their lake house, where some of their favorite memories were made on the water. The lake house became a special gathering place for family, with aunts, uncles, and cousins joining them for long days of skiing, tubing, swimming, and simply being together. Ronnie spent many of those days behind the wheel of the boat, pulling a seemingly endless line of kids and family on skis and tubes. Those weekends were filled with laughter and fun and became memories the entire family will always treasure.

Ronnie also loved his church and his church family, and his faith remained an important part of his life.

In the later years of his life, Ronnie faced Alzheimer's disease. Although the disease brought many changes, it could never take away the love he had for his family or the love they had for him. His family remained by his side throughout his journey, and he was surrounded by love through the very end.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, James and Elnor Carter; his sister, Becky Carter; niece Trisha Kane.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 52 years, Cindy Carter; his daughters, Tami Sooter and husband Tom, and Jenny Humphrey and husband Corey; and his grandchildren, Grant Sooter, Carter Humphrey, and Mackenzie Humphrey. He is also survived by his brother, John Carter, and wife Rachael, and their children, Savannah Garrett and Seth Carter; his brother-in-law, Toby Williams, and wife Melany, and their son, Brian Williams; and his sister-in-law, Susie Scott, and husband Steve, and their daughters, Molly Evans and Amy Willey.

Memorials may be made to Hendrick Hospice. Ronnie's family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the doctors and staff at Hendrick Hospice for the care and compassion they provided to Ronnie and his family.