Rick Carter

Richard Allen “Rick” Carter, 79, of Wilson, died Sunday, October 1, 2023.

Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend A Celebration of Life followed by visitation on Saturday, October 7 at 2:00 pm, Forest Hills Baptist Church located at 1407 Forest Hills Road NW, Wilson, NC 27896. An interment will be held immediately after at Evergreen Memorial Park.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Grace Carter, Jr, brother, Danny Hugh Carter, niece, Donna Carter, and nephew, Chip Carter.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda Kennedy Carter; daughter, Kimberly Carter Dowdle (Chris) of Clayton; son, Richard Allen Carter II (Kim) of Greenville; granddaughter, Kaitlin Dowdle Gagnon (Kevin); grandsons, Carter Dowdle, Justin Carter and Ethan Carter; great-grandchildren, Celeste Noel Carter and Cormac Carter Gagnon; brothers, Donald A. Carter of Morehead City and Samuel L. Carter of Sanford.

Richard Allen Carter was born November 12, 1943, in Onslow County to Arthur and Grace Carter. He was the beloved brother of Don, Danny and Sam. His life was filled with remarkable achievements and cherished moments. During his youth, he was an exceptional basketball player at Colerain High School, along with baseball. Following high school, he attended Chowan College and proudly served in the National Guard during the late 60s. It was during this time that he met the love of his life Brenda Kennedy, of Lucama. Their love story was one for all to admire and they embarked on a journey together that would span a lifetime.

Rick’s professional career took him through many roles, from a salesman to a sales manager and general manager to a business owner. For over four decades, he poured his heart and soul into his work, leaving a mark on those he worked with.

Amidst his busy life, Rick and Brenda were blessed with two loving children, Kim and Allen. Rick found joy in his hobbies of all sports, especially softball and golf. He also played an instrumental role in nurturing youth golf in Wilson County, particularly Willow Springs Country Club. Perhaps the most profound aspect of Rick’s life was his unwavering faith and his dedication to spreading the word of God. He was a true leader within Forest Hills Baptist Church, serving in various positions and on numerous teams. His passion for sharing his faith was evident in all he did! Rick’s greatest pride and joy was being ‘PaPa’ to grandchildren Kaitlin, Carter, Justin and Ethan along with great-grandchildren Celeste and Cormac. Even in retirement, Rick worked at Wilson Memorial Service. When asked why that job? He stated, “It’s another ministry to the people left behind.” In honoring Rick’s memory, we are called to carry forward his legacy of love, faith and service. Let us remember the man who touched our lives with his kindness and generosity. Rick’s spirit lives on in our hearts, and it is up to us to continue his work and make the world a better place.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Forest Hills Baptist Church, Partners in Mission, 1407 Forest Hills Road NW, Wilson, NC 27896.

Arrangements by Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Dr. N, Wilson, 237-7171; www.wilsonmemorialservice.com