Thomas K. Mccarter Jr.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas Kirk ("T-Mac") McCarter Jr. (age 63) in Las Cruces, NM, on March 6, 2023. Tom was born September 9, 1959 in Las Cruces. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Karen; his parents Thomas Kirk McCarter and Sharon Vipond McCarter; Karen's parents, Henry Sr. and Ernestina Apodaca; siblings Susan Thorpe, husband Doug and children Jennifer and Sean; brother Robert McCarter; sister Mary McCarter Desmarais, husband Greg and children Katie, Scotty and Thomas; Karen's siblings, Henry Jr. and Rhonda Apodaca, son Derek, Mark and Stephanie Apodaca, daughters Kayla and Kristin. Everybody that knows Tom knows he was an exceptional athlete. He started with YAFL football in Albuquerque at age 10, switching to baseball for Little League and high school, finally playing for the NMSU Aggies. However, just because he graduated from NMSU did not mean Tom was finished playing ball. He continued playing fast and slow pitch softball in Las Cruces for at least 20 years. Eventually, T-Mac decided to put on a ref's uniform to start officiating football and basketball at the high school level all around New Mexico. Ultimately, he moved up to refereeing college football games across the United States, culminating into reffing numerous college bowl games. Not one to slow down after retiring from refereeing, Tom picked up a golf club and almost never put it down. He and Karen were at Sonoma Ranch every weekend, year-round --weather permitting! He loved being outside, in the fresh air with Karen, watching the quail. She said, "he was her biggest fan." In between his many years of playing ball, officiating and golfing, Tom was a gifted insurance agent. He was naturally such a kind, honest, helpful and caring person that his numerous clients knew they were in excellent hands. When any of his countless friends needed help, they knew they could count on T-Mac to be there, ready and waiting. Saturday and Sunday were family days for Tom and Karen. They would be home, barbecuing in the backyard with their dog, Kayleigh the cocker spaniel. Eventually, they would head indoors to watch golf on tv. T-mac was a homebody who loved nothing more than relaxing with his family. Friends and family are invited to come to a Celebration of Life, Friday, March 24th, at 10am at Getz funeral home. Immediately following will be a graveside ceremony at the Masonic cemetery on Compress Rd. In lieu of flowers donate to charity of your choice. Arrangements by