Melvin Carter, Sr.

Obituary For Melvin Carter, Sr.

Mr. Melvin Carter, Sr., 82, of Phenix City, AL passed Thursday, November 23, 2023in Atlanta, GA.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. EST, Saturday, December 2, 2023 at New Central Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Jeffrey Dancy, pastor, officiating and Rev. J.W. Jones, eulogist. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens.Visitation will be Friday, December 1, 2023 from 2-5 p.m. EST.

The journey of life began for Mr. Melvin “Boodie” Carter Sr. on April 27, 1941 in Phenix City, Alabama. He was born to the late Mr. Milton Carter, his father and Mrs. Rosie Lee Morgan Carter, his mother.

He accepted Christ at an early age under the leadership of Rev. J.C. Cook at Central Baptist Church in a town known as “Pumpkin Bottom”. He remained a faithful God fearing member until his death. He departed this life Thursday, November 23, 2023 at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta Georgia.

He attended Colquitt Elementary School and graduated from South Girard High School on May 29, 1959.

He was the second oldest of his siblings. Deciding not to join the Military, he remained home to help support his mother and siblings; and soon after Mr. Carter met his soulmate Darnell Brooks Carter. They united in holy matrimony on March 2, 1960 who preceded him in Eternal life. To this union eight children were born.

Mr. Carter worked in many sectors throughout his life. He started in the textile mills industry, performed work as private duty nursing, a medical technician at the Medical Center in Columbus, Georgia, Phenix City Public School bus driver, a cook at local restaurants before becoming the owner and operator of his own restaurant called “Back Porch Barbecue”.

Many customers of all races flocked to his restaurant for his famous barbecue,“Boodie” barbecue sauce and his Brunswick stew.

He was a trailblazer in many facets. In 1980 after his first son graduated high school, he joined the Modern Free and Accepted Masons of the World, Inc. The organization Headquarters located in Columbus, Georgia. His leadership journey began as a Masonic brotherhood with Pacemakers Lodge #1000. This organization afforded him the opportunities to serve others in many ways. With his outgoing personality and infectious love for people, he had found his calling. He was motivated by their mission at that time. “Set the pace for others and stay head and shoulders above the rest”. He served for 42 years total earning him a lifetime membership. During his tenure he served in the following capacities, Worshipful Master last nine years up to Covid 19 Pandemic outbreak, Worthy Master, and Grand Secretary. He also received many awards such as Pilar award from Joppa Temple Grand Lodge, Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret 32 degrees, Certificate of Appreciation, and Certificate of Leadership. He recruited young members, traveled throughout the United States and some foreign countries performing humanitarian work.

Mr. Carter earned respect and was well received by others around the globe. Playing minor league baseball in his hometown and coaching the Poplar Springs Wildcats where he developed a true love for the sport and bragging rights for his team. It was then the nickname “Boodie” stuck with him. He loved his family and set examples of how to thrive in this world. He always shared with his children, “you might not be listed among who’s who but, find out what’s what”. He lived his life with an unwavering commitment to the principles love, sacrifices, and generosity. Mr. Carter drew crowds and loved to celebrate his birthdays with parties. His last grand celebration was at the age of 80. With his smooth charismatic dance moves, he stayed on the dance floor.

In his latter years he shared time and space with a special friend Della Suston.

Mr. Carter exchanged his earthy life for eternal life on Thursday, November 23, 2023 at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, GA. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Darnell Brooks Carter of 46 years until her death, his father Mr. Milton Carter, his mother Mrs. Rosie Lee Carter, one brother Willie Carter, one sister Gean Thompson, and one grandson, Jamarious T. Carter.

To cherish his memories, he leaves four sons, Melvin (Patricia) Carter, Jr. of Atlanta, Georgia; Frederick (Kathy) Carter of Phenix City, AL; Danny (Lisa) Carter of Atlanta Georgia; and Gregory Carter of Phenix City, Alabama; four daughters Michelle Carter, Vickey F. Carter, Shelia Carter, and Valerie Carter all of Phenix City, Alabama. Three brothers, Richard Carter of Columbus, Georgia; Freddie M. Carter of Phenix City, AL; and David Carter of Seattle, Washington, One sister Barbara Ann Steward of Phenix City, AL; a brother-in-Law; Willard Brooks of New Iberia, Louisiana; one sister-in-law; Ada Brown of Chicago, Illinois; one aunt, Claudia Alexander of Phenix City, Alabama. He was also blessed to enjoy 14 grandchildren, and 24 great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, close cousins, Masonic Brothers, Matron Sisters, and a host of other relatives and friends who will miss him greatly.

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