Donnie B. Carter

A Legacy of Care, Accountability, and Quiet Excellence

There are individuals whose impact cannot be measured solely by the tasks they completed, the procedures they created, or the titles they held. Their true legacy lives in the tone of an organization, the trust of a community, and the standard they quietly set for others to follow. Mr. Donnie Ben Carter was one of those rare individuals.

For four years, Mr. Carter served as the Facilities Manager for the Tifton Housing Authority, but his influence extended far beyond maintenance schedules, inspections, or work orders. Notably, during his tenure, the Tifton Housing Authority received the highest inspection rating in my 20 years as director, a direct reflection of his meticulous attention to detail and thoughtful, methodical leadership.

Mr. Carter became far more than a steward of buildings and grounds. He was a steward of people, of principles, and of pride in doing things the right way. He understood that buildings are important, but people are essential, and he carried that understanding into every interaction with staff and residents alike. He was down to earth and approachable, yet firm in his expectations.

I recall vividly the early days of Mr. Carter's tenure. My phone rang often with calls from residents who were adjusting to his firm enforcement of property standards. Warnings were issued. Citations were written. Expectations were clearly communicated. For some, this level of accountability was unfamiliar and, at first, unwelcome. Nonetheless, Mr. Carter never wavered. He did not lead with harshness; he led with clarity. He took the time to explain the "why" behind the rules, always speaking with respect, dignity, and fairness.

Over time, something remarkable happened.

The same residents who once called in frustration began greeting Mr. Carter with smiles. They stopped him to talk, not out of obligation, but out of genuine connection. They asked questions. They shared concerns. They trusted him. What began as enforcement evolved into engagement, and accountability transformed into mutual respect. That shift did not happen by chance; it happened because Mr. Carter believed in people and treated them accordingly.

Within our staff, Mr. Carter was equally impactful. He was the kind of colleague who noticed when someone needed help, professionally or personally, and stepped in without being asked. He offered guidance without ego, support without judgment, and leadership without display. At the same time, he held both staff and residents to clear standards, reminding us of all that excellence and compassion are not opposites, but partners.

Because of Mr. Carter's vision and discipline, the Tifton Housing Authority is stronger today. The procedures and processes he put in place created consistency, efficiency, and accountability that continue to guide our daily operations. Many have said, and rightly so, that our facilities now "run like a well-oiled machine." That smooth operation is not accidental; it is the result of Mr. Carter's thoughtful planning, his insistence on doing things properly, and his belief that systems should serve people, not complicate their lives.

Mr. Carter's legacy is woven into the culture of this organization. It lives in the pride our staff take in their work, in the respect shared between management and residents, and in the standards that continue to guide us forward. He showed us that leadership does not have to be loud to be powerful, and that lasting impact is built through consistency, integrity, and genuine care for others.

We are better because he served here. We are stronger because he believed in this community. And we are forever grateful for the example he set.

Mr. Donnie B. Carter may no longer walk our properties each day, but his presence is still felt, in every process that works, every conversation rooted in respect, and every reminder that doing the right thing, even when it is difficult, always matters.

Shaundra Clark

Executive Director

Tifton Housing Authority