Toppy Lance Carter Iii

Although he spent his entire life confined to a wheelchair, Toppy Carter III seemed to ignore his mobility challenges. His comfortable and positive attitude made others truly enjoy his company. He enriched those who were fortunate to know and love him. While he will be missed, his uncomplaining strength and delightful humor will always inspire us. Were grateful that he influenced those who knew him to live better, more appreciative lives. That is his legacy.He was born in Jacksonville, Florida in 1956 to Leila and Toppy L. Carter, Jr and was the smallest surviving baby at Baptist Hospital during that period. After six weeks spent almost entirely in an incubator, he finally gained the required six pounds to be discharged..Growing up, Toppy attended various special schools for the disabled. His brother and sister were very fortunate that Jessie Ball DuPont Orthopedic School was located on the campus of A I DuPont Jr-Sr High School. As he got older, Toppy was "mainstreamed" onto the adjoining public schools campus. He was quickly adopted by various students who enjoyed pushing his wheelchair to classes.After graduation from Wolfson High School, Toppy attended the University of North Florida. He was driven to the campus for many years by his devoted mother and graduated with a BS degree in Criminal Justice.He formed his own video company, "On-Location Productions", and produced documentaries of area events and interviews of local personalities. Due to excellent medical care, Toppy enjoyed many years of private-residence independent living. He wrote a Facebook blog called "Toppys Tales" that gave positive insights into his life. (Note: He painstakingly typed into his computer with a mouth-stick, one letter at a time.)Toppy loved law enforcement. During college he interned at the US Marshalls Office in Jacksonville. Caregiver Terry Dinkins was also his devoted friend. He assisted Toppy so that he was able to graduate from the "Citizens Police Academy" of the Baker County Sheriffs Office. That was one of his greatest life experiences.His humor and positivity touched so many. To enjoy Toppy Carter was one of their own "great life experiences".Toppy is survived by his brother Rick de Treville (Orlando) and sister Lisa Farmer (Charleston, SC). He is under the care of Hewell & Son Funeral Homes Northside Chapel. A memorial service will be held in the near future..