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Alabama 127 in Limestone County dedicated as Tommy Carter Highway
Jun. 21—ELKMONT — This week, 12 1/2 miles of Alabama 127 in Limestone County were designated the Tommy Carter Highway, for a man who officials say did more for the county than anybody.
"I guess the best thing to say overall is he was a supporter of Athens and Limestone County. His heart and soul were a supporter," said Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks. "There are so many wonderful stories that you could tell about Tommy Carter. From saving Athens State University to being a special part of this community. Going all the way back to his high school football days. Just a great guy. Tommy made such a positive impact on this community."
The stretch of road dedicated goes from the intersection of Jefferson Street and Elm Street in Athens all the way to the Tennessee state line. Jefferson Street turns into Alabama 127 at the intersection. There will be five to six signs erected at all major intersections declaring the road the Tommy Carter Highway. About 50 people attended the dedication, which was held Monday at Elkmont Elementary School on Alabama 127.
Tommy Carter died in November and was just shy of 90 years old.
"If somebody needed help, he was going to try to help them," said Tommy Carter's son, Tom Carter Jr. "I think that's his biggest accomplishment. He was always going to help anybody that called him if he could."
Carter Jr. said his father's phone was always ringing with people needing help.
"He loved serving Limestone County. He did so much for the county and the city (Athens) and the state," said Carter Jr. "Dad was in the House (of Representatives) for 36 years; school board six years before that. ... Every town in his district always got funds. He'd get calls from superintendents, principals, commissioners: 'I need help with this road, I need help with this school.' And he did his best to help everybody."
In the early 1970s, Carter Jr. said, Tommy Carter helped save Athens State University.
"It was about to close, and the state was going to take it over," Carter Jr. said. "In Montgomery, some were for that and some were against it. And he fought till about 2 a.m. to get the bill passed to save Athens State. Of course, Carter Gymnasium is named after him today."
Carter Jr. said he grew up with his family in Elkmont, three houses off Alabama 127.
"We're always on (Alabama) 127. Used to go to the country store on 127," he said. "I saw the sign coming up a while ago; it just gave me chills."
Limestone County Commission Chairman Collin Daly said Carter made a large impact on Limestone County.
"He was instrumental in so many things that went on in Limestone County over the years," he said. "One of the things he was instrumental in was getting the rocket (at the welcome center) here. ... He was instrumental in securing funds to save Athens State University. Tommy Carter has done so much over my lifetime. He was kind of the staple man in the community. ... Did so much for the state as a whole.
"He was a great man and left behind a great legacy."
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