Elmer Carter

Life’s journey began for Elmer Carter when he was born on May 31, 1925, in the “Carter Town” community of Sparkman, Arkansas. He was the fifth child of nine children born to the union of Monroe and Sarah Jane Lock Carter. His parents taught him “a good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.” He was a life member of Macedonia Baptist Church and grew up to be an athletic and strong young man. He attended Sparkman Training School and at the age of 18 he enlisted in the United States Army. After a brief stay he returned home to Arkansas. He met the beautiful Lucille Jones in 1944; and it was love at first sight. Their loved blossomed into a fruitful marriage on April 10, 1946. The Lord blessed their union with six healthy children; Audrey, Ava, Freddie, Emmanuel, Betty and Brenda. In the early 50’s word had spread throughout southwest Arkansas that Reynolds Metal Company was coming to Arkadelphia. Elmer landed a job as a laborer and helped build the plant. At the completion of the plant he was hired as an employee and retired in 1985 when the plant closed. Elmer had a dream of operating his own social club. In 1978, with much opposition from others in the community he successfully opened the Fairview Civic and Social Club; commonly known as “Elmer’s” or “Carter Town”. The club grew in popularity and was known as a social spot for both the young and old. “Carter Town” still remains a staple in the community to this day. Elmer was born with natural talent and a very competitive spirit. He loved a challenge and everyone loved to challenge him….and lose. Elmer loved his grandchildren and could outrun any of them; while even running backwards. He had his way of loving his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Elmer was a great cook and he prepared the Sunday meal every Sunday. He mastered frying fish, cooking squirrel and rabbit. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, he loved baseball and the horse races. He was a fun person and it was a joy to be in his presence. His love and friendship will be missed by those who know him. On October 21, 2013, Elmer slept into the Lord’s embrace. He was preceded in his passing by his parents Monroe and Sarah Carter; his sisters, Snorine Johnson, Sally Nelson, Annie Laura Watson; his brothers, Oscar Carter, L. C. Carter, and Fred Carter; and his granddaughter, Chenee’ Carter Stewart. He leaves a life of legacy and love with his beloved wife of 67 years; Lucille Carter; his children, Audrey Carter of Milwaukee, WI, Ava Carter of Milwaukee, WI, Freddie “Big Duck” Carter (Fay) of Arkadelphia, AR, Emmanuel “Baby Duck” Carter (Debra) of Arkadelphia, AR, Betty Nelson of Sparkman, AR, Brenda Mitchell (J. T. ) of Little Rock, AR; and a granddaughter raised as a daughter, Melanie Leysath (Lester) of Savannah, GA: fifteen grandchildren, twenty-one great-grandchildren; three sisters, Birdia Flint of Sparkman, AR, Birthia Delamar of Sparkman, AR, and Ailene Carter of Milwaukee, WI; and one brother, Horace Carter, Sr. (Jeanette) of Sparkman, AR. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, numerous friends and the faithful patrons of the Fairview Civic and Social Club. Public visitation will be Friday, Oct 25th from 1:00 -4:00 p.m. at the funeral home and he family will receive friends from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 16th and Caddo Streets. A home going celebration will be shared on Saturday, Oct. 26th at 2:30 p.m., Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Rev. J.L. Newborn will deliver the eulogy and Rev. A. S. Newburn will officiate. The interment will be at Centerpoint Cemetery in Sparkman, Arkansas. The family will fellowship after the interment at the Fairview Civic and Social Club. CLICK VideoTribute