Henry Nelson Carter III

Henry Nelson Carter III, 85, of Waco, Texas, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2025, at his cherished home in Cameron Park, surrounded by those who loved him most. A celebration of his remarkable life will be held Wednesday, June 25th, from 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. at OakCrest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque Boulevard, Waco. A liturgical service will begin at 11 A.M. with Rev. R. Don Wright officiating, Thursday, June 26th at OakCrest Funeral Home. Internment is scheduled for 2 P.M., Thursday, June 26th at Oakwood Cemetery, Waco.

Henry was born on September 18, 1939, in Hillsboro, Texas, to Henry Nelson Carter Jr. and Ruth Dean Cowan Carter. He moved into his home in Cameron Park at age 10 and remained there for the next 75 years. A gifted actor, teacher, and creative visionary, Henry earned his Bachelor of Arts in Drama from Baylor University and a Master of Arts in Drama from Trinity University. He studied under Paul Baker, whose influence would shape Henry's passion for theatre and performance.

He was a longtime member of the repertory company at the Dallas Theater Center, where he portrayed a diverse range of roles, including his top favorites, Lucius in Julius Caesar, and Renfield in Dracula, among many others. He later founded Enterprise Eight Productions; a creative endeavor which he called the adventure of a lifetime. Through this company, he brought stories to life on film with the same passion and brilliance he brought to the stage.

In addition to performing, Henry was a devoted teacher who inspired students of all ages. He taught acting at Trinity University and the Dallas Theater Center’s professional academy and later founded the “Actor’s Laboratory” at the River Theatre. In Waco, he led a two-year program at the Civic Theatre and worked alongside Linda Hasket in the Waco Children’s Theater. He also served as a substitute teacher, sharing his passion, humor, and knowledge.

In addition to his theatrical gifts, Henry had a wonderful mind, especially when it came to classic cinema. His encyclopedic knowledge of old Hollywood was brilliant! Henry could recite every Oscar winning best picture, best actor, and best actress from 1927 to 1973. He was often challenged by his friends for his amazing abilities. You could ask him anything, and he could tell you everything from where an actor was born to who they married, when they divorced, and every role they ever played. His favorite actor of all time was Marlon Brando.

Henry shared his heart and life for 27 years with the love of his life, Alice. Though they never married, their bond was full of love. It was through Alice that Henry developed an appreciation for the Spanish culture and language.

Henry was a man of depth, wisdom, and kindness, with the best sense of humor and warmth that left an impression on everyone he met. He also adored his dog, Max, who was Henry’s best friend.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Jr. (1988) and Ruth (2007).

He is survived by his beloved sister, Janie Atkinson, affectionately known to Henry as “Boo.”

To know Henry was to experience brilliance and creativity. His legacy lives on in the many people he inspired, taught, and loved, and in every story he helped bring to life.

You can view his work through his website at www.henrycarteractordtc.com

You may share a memory or send a message to the family at www.oakcrestwaco.com