NATCHEZ — Memorial services for Courtland Cummings Carter, 47, of Sarasota, Fla., who died Friday, Jan. 7, 2011, in Sarasota, will be at 11 a.m. today at Trinity Episcopal Church.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time today at the church.

Mr. Carter was born Aug. 4, 1963, in Natchez, the son of Weathersby “Webb” Godbold Carter and Carolyn Cummings Gwin. He lived his adult life in Sarasota where he was a devoted father to Shelby, 19, and Jake, 15. They were his true pride and joy, and as he often said, the most important accomplishment in his life.

Courtland will always be remembered for his love for his children, family and friends. He had a huge heart, full of love, kindness and generosity. He showed that not only to family and friends, but also to those who worked with him during the span of 20 years in the furniture manufacturing business.

He was an avid golfer with a true passion, love and appreciation for the game and the friends with whom he played.

Survivors include one daughter, Shelby Lee Carter; one son, Jacob Courtland Carter; his former wife of 20 years, Patricia Byrd Carter; his mother and stepfather, Lucien “Sonny” Gwin; his father; one sister, Sarah Carter Smith; one brother-in-law, Jim Smith; two nieces, McKenzie Smith and Emory Smith; and one nephew, Carter Smith.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.