ReflectionsReflections of Life
John Mc Kay Carter, Sr. was born December 27, 1931, to the parentage of the late Clyde Henrietta and Robert Carter in Memphis, TN. John entered eternal rest on March 19, 2020. He passed away peacefully at home. He had been under the loving care of his beloved children, with John Jr. serving as his primary Care Giver. Their bond will always be remembered by all of us, as John Jr. went to Memphis and brought him back so he could be surrounded by his children. His great-grandson, Christopher Russell, assisted as his Care Aide. He and Chris spent numerous hours together watching one of his favorite comedy shows (Everybody Hates Chris).
As we rejoice in his memory and mourn his passing, let us remember, “Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can’t heal.”
John was a proud graduate of Manassas High School. He met and married the love of his life, Norma Jean, and to this union, there were eight children (Beverly, Janice, John Jr., Carol, Rodney, Dianne, Tamela, and Gloria). Their love was so strong that after thirty-six years of marriage, they reaffirmed their commitment by renewing their marriage vows.
John was hired as a Truck Driver at Ellis Bagwell Drug Company in Memphis. He enjoyed over twenty-four years of service with them. In 2001, he moved to Texas to be with his kids.
John enjoyed listening to music. Some of his favorite Artists were Diana Ross and the Supremes, Brook Benton, Otis Redding, Joe Tex, the Platters, and James Brown. He spent countless hours enjoying their music. He was known for his “Johnny Cool moves.” John also loved really sharp cars. One of the most memorable was a gold 1959 Pontiac convertible. John’s favorite football team was the Dallas Cowboys. John loved traveling to Chicago with his wife to visit sister-in-law Geraldine and her husband, Willie Moore. He also enjoyed entertaining them during their annual visit to Memphis for the 4th of July
John was known for his quick wit, his infectious smile, and his laid back personality. He adored spending time with his wife, kids, and grandchildren. Treasured memories include family outings to McKellar Lake, fun picnics at Fuller Park, and long Sunday drives. He often indulged the kids during this time by driving through a long tunnel and allowing them to have fun by laughing and screaming as loud as they liked.
The outings sometimes included trips to Memphis International airport to watch the takeoff & landings of the planes. John’s children enjoyed going with him whenever he left the house. His youngest son (Rodney) would invariably run up to him and say, “Dad take one people.” He took his two youngest daughters (Dee Dee and Tamela) everywhere he went. His oldest granddaughter Micralyn always shared fun memories of daddy giving her a quarter for doing little chores around the house. As she grew older, the quarters ran dry, but the joke always remained in both of their hearts. She’d always tell daddy that he owed her a million quarters; he smiled every time but never allowed Janice (his Treasurer) to go to the bank to pay his loving, made-up debt.
One of John’s most gratifying hobbies was taking pictures of his kids as they were growing up.
John was preceded in death by his brothers Curtis, Marvin, and his sisters Mary and Verna Clyde. He leaves to remember and cherish his memory, his loving sister, Ethel (She is the last remaining of his siblings). The two of them had a very special bond. Ethel always looked out for her baby brother, Sonny, as he was affectionately called. In the latter years, due to age and distance, they often spoke via conference calls. These calls brought them abundant joy. John leaves all of his children, and grandchildren Micralyn (Mike), Karlon (Sean), Christopher (Chris), Steve, Karen, Cedric, Rodney, Jayson, Brandy, Brian, Clarence (Petey), Antonio, Cameron, Corey, and Darius. His great-grandchildren to cherish his memory are Christopher, Ebony, Emanuel, Karimi, Chrystal, Kiara, Nicole, Ezekiel, Courtney, Kellanie, Michelle, Jonathan, Kayla, Zeke, Jeniyah, Kaitlin, Taylor, Stormie, Sloan, Alicia, Christina, Ecariye King, Emonie Queen, Cardaye. He also leaves to remember and love him forever, his very special and dear nieces and nephews: Sylvester Jr., Ronnie, Kay, Donna, and Darlene; along with a loving sister-in-law, Geraldine Moore; two caring daughter-in-laws Brenda Carter and Linda Carter, and son-in-law Eric Walker.
Psalms 23
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Mr. John McKay Carter, Sr.
We will be forever grateful for your acts of kindness, prayers, phone calls, and thoughtful gestures. Thank you, Jones family, for your gracious hospitality and to all the family and volunteers who assisted in this journey. Your expressions of love have given our family strength and will always be remembered. Thank you, and God bless“Dad, we will always carry your memory in our hearts.”
~The Family
