Ernest Carter Jr.

Ernest Carter Jr, 90, of Fayetteville took his flight to meet Jesus Tuesday, April 2, 2024 in Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, surrounded by his children.

Ernest was born in Harnett County, NC on January 21, 1934, son to the late Ernest Carter Sr. and Fronie Whitehead Carter. Ernest served in the US Army and was a Korean War Veteran, and while serving he was a bantamweight boxer. Ernest was a tremendous man of God. He was a faithful member of Cape Fear Baptist Church where he attended since 1971. On Sundays before attending church, Ernest and his wife Shirley would gather their family into the living room and kneel in prayer before attending church. He lived his faith by being the hands and feet of Jesus, whether it was passing out home-grown tomatoes to strangers or visiting loved ones in the nursing home.

In Ernest’s professional life he was a founding member of the Cumberland County Indian Association where he served as Chairman of the board, Indian Chief, and he was in Civil Service and served as an EEOC for the US Army before retirement. He led the Indian Dance team which he was able to teach at local schools about the Indian culture. Not only did he mentor Indian youth to stay off the streets and drugs, but he would also host cookouts and volleyball events that he would personally finance.

His passion was Fishing and as hard as he tried, Mitchell could never out fish him, but fishing with his sons, Mitchell and Ernie, and his brother Hugie, will forever be a cherished memory. A self-taught guitarist, Ernests favorite song to play was “Just A Closer Walk with Thee.” Ernest loved hosting his annual fish fry and oyster roast, it was such a tradition that even the mailman would stop to eat. He loved to cook for his daughters Carol, Debra, and Gayle and loved his daughter-in-law Kay’s home cooked meals. Ernest loved to go dancing at the VFW, all the ladies would ask Shirley if they could dance with him. He has always held Shirley close to his heart even after her passing.   

Although Ernest was a loyal Duke Blue Devils fan in a family of Carolina Tarheel fans he will truly be missed.

A fierce defender of his family, he was so proud of his grandchildren Josh, Justin, Jennifer, Adam, Aaron, Brad, Blair, Chrystal, Micki, Madison, Corey, Casey, and his fourteen great grandchildren. He leaves a legacy for his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren to carry on his honor. 

In addition to his parents, Ernest is preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Jane Hyatt Carter and a sister, Gaynelle Brewington.

He is survived by his children, Mitchell Dean Carter and wife Evelyn K. of Hope Mills, NC, Ernest (Ernie) Carter III of Fayetteville, NC, Debra Carter Peele and husband Randall of Nashville, TN, Carol Carter Clark and husband Rick, Gayle Carter Seiferlein and husband Fred, all of Matthews, NC; brothers, Hughie Maynor of Coats, NC and Gary Carter of Lillington, NC; 12 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and a host of extended family members.

Visitation will be 1:00 – 2:00 PM Saturday, April 6, 2024 at Cape Baptist Church, 100 Indian Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28312.

Funeral Services will begin at 2:00 PM following the visitation with pastors Ricky Burnett and Tony Brewington officiating.

Interment will follow in Cape Fear Baptist Church Cemetery, 2241 Downing Road, Fayetteville, NC 28312.

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