Judson Carter Enright

Judson Carter Enright

May 10, 1978 – August 21, 2025 (age 47)

Remembering Judson: Judson was born in Albany, Georgia, on May 10, 1978. Due to his disabilities, his biological family turned him over to the Department of Children and Family Services when he was six months old. At age four, he was flown by helicopter to Athens, Georgia, to live at what became River's Crossing. At that time, no one could predict how much his life and the lives of others would be changed.

Judson had autism, developmental delays, seizures, and ataxia, which is a very unsteady gait. He also developed serious self-injurious behavior while at River's Crossing.

When Judson was nine, Kevin Enright came into his life. It took a lot of blood, sweat, and tears (mostly from Kevin), but positive changes started happening for Judson.

Because of his behaviors, Judson moved from one area to another in a large walker with a strap that went between his legs and hooked in the back. On the elevator, there was only room for Judson and one person, mainly Kevin. Kevin vowed to get Judson out of the walker. Judson and Kevin bonded, and Kevin affectionately became known as Judson's dad.

Judson was almost fully out of the walker when Karen Carter started working at River's Crossing. He didn't use the walker when Kevin was with him.

Kevin and Karen teamed up and started a pool program at the local YMCA centered around Judson and another resident. Judson found his legs again, walking around the shallow part of the pool. He enjoyed walking and playing with Kevin.

It was through the pool program that Kevin and Karen fell in love. When they got married, Judson was a junior groomsman at the wedding. He looked great in his tuxedo!

Karen was accepted into medical school in Augusta, which caused them to leave River's Crossing. For the most part, Judson did okay. He seldom displayed his behaviors, and he was walking for staff.

But something was missing in Kevin and Karen's lives. That changed when they made a wonderful phone call to the social worker at River's Crossing and they said they wanted to adopt Judson.

It took a lot of effort to do it, but 18 months later, Judson had the best mom and dad he could ever imagine, as well as a new name. His middle name was changed to Carter, which is Karen’s last name, and he took Kevin’s last name of Enright. Kevin and Karen fought for Judson every day. They got him out of River's Crossing and living in the Augusta area. He attended Greenbrier High School until he was 22 years old. He lived in three group homes over the years. Each home quickly learned Kevin and Karen were strong advocates for Judson.

While Kevin and Karen showed everyone else what Judson was capable of, Judson knew he couldn't get out of doing what was expected of him. Oh, he tried! But, when Kevin’s fingers snapped, he knew it was time to give in. Kevin and Judson had their own unspoken language. Kevin was always able to get Judson to do things no one else could.

Before he stopped being able to walk, Judson would often stay at Kevin and Karen's home overnight. His bedroom was in the front of the house in a bed that was several feet off the ground. The bedroom for Kevin and Karen room was in the back of the house. It was always interesting to see who would sleep the latest on a Saturday, Judson or Kevin. On one Saturday morning, Kevin awoke to Judson standing over him! He had gotten out of bed, walked down the hallway, and stood there reaching for Kevin to wake up! Karen was in the kitchen and hadn't heard anything.

Just about every Saturday night, when the Augusta GreenJackets had a home game, you could find the Enright family sitting behind home plate on the back row. Judson loved being outside. He loved watching others go by, and while he wasn't really into the game, it was the booming fireworks he really liked, the louder and brighter, the better.

Judson had a great life. He beat the odds in so many ways. He had a loving family that pushed him to do what he could, he went on trips, enjoyed family nights of baseball games and pizza, and competed for the Special Olympics Georgia Augusta Stars. But as the summer proceeded, Kevin and Karen knew his time was ending. Even so, they weren't ready to say goodbye on August 21, 2025. They are certain that Judson is pain-free and singing loudly as he watches over Kevin, Karen, and his forever sister, Raven.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Judson's memory to Special Olympics Georgia.

The family wishes this to be a celebration of Judson’s life. They encourage you to not wear black clothes. If you would like, Kevin and Karen always felt like Judson’s favorite color was purple. Judson never objected.

A private graveside service will be held. The family will receive friends Saturday, August 30, 2025 from 12:00 until 1:00 P.M. at Thomas Poteet & Son.

Rest easy, Judson. From your family of Kevin, Karen, and Raven, we thank you for enriching our lives. You did as much for us as we did for you. We are so proud of the man you became. We love you, and you will always hold a special place in the hearts of all you touched.