Dr. Carmichael graduated from Deshler High School in Tuscumbia where he played guard on the Tiger football squad for legendary Coach Shubie Sparks. As a member of the Tigers, he was chosen All-Tri Cities twice, won the Butler trophy as the best player in the Shoals area, and co-captain along with fellow Hall of Fame member Al Wilhite of the undefeated 1948 team. In addition he was selected to the All-State team in 1948 and played in the All-Star game at the University of Alabama. Following high school he played for Bobby Dodd at Georgia Tech in 1949-1950 and for Vanderbilt University in 1951-1952. Following college he attended medial school and began practicing in Tuscumbia, Alabama specializing in Internal Medicine.