Lt. Col. David R. Jeter, USAF Retired of Garner, NC died February 11, 2026. He was 87.
Born August 6, 1938, in Norfolk, VA, he was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Robert R. Jeter and Blanche R. Jeter of Waynesville, NC and his brother James Parham Jeter of Asheville, NC. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Shelia B. Jeter of Garner, NC, two daughters and their spouses, Kimberly & Mark Tantaris of Nashville, TN and Dr. Debra Basden and Brian Basden of Garner, NC, four grandsons, a granddaughter, and one brother, Robert R. Jeter of Charlotte, NC.
Colonel Jeter graduated from Clemson University in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering and from Golden Gate University in 1981 with a master’s degree in Public Administration. He received a commission in the United States Air Force in February 1962 and served tours of duty in staff and command positions at various bases in the US including the Pentagon, overseas in the Republic of Vietnam, and in the United Kingdom as an Exchange Officer with the Royal Air Force, Ministry of Defense, London, England. He retired as Director of Commercial Communications, Air Force Communications Command at Scott AFB, IL in July 1984. His awards and decorations include the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Presidential Unit Citation with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Campaign Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Air Force Missile Badge.