Charles Benjamin Carter

Charles Benjamin Carter, Sr., 78, passed away on Saturday, April 30, 2011, after a brief illness. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 4, 2011, at Centerville United Methodist Church. Interment will be in Parkway Memorial Gardens immediately following the service. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 3, 2011, at The Farmhouse at McCullough Funeral Home. Flowers are graciously accepted, or the family suggests contributions to Centerville United Methodist Church, 600 N. Houston Lake Road, Centerville, GA 31028. Charles was born in Macon to the late Fred W. and Alma Boutwell Carter on July 31, 1932. The family moved from Macon to farmland they purchased in Wellston in 1937. When that property, which later became the site of Robins Air Force Base, was sold to the Federal Government, the Carters bought land on Houston Lake Road and made their homeplace in what is now known as The Farmhouse. He graduated from Perry High School and then attended the University of Georgia, where he was a member of Chi Psi Fraternity. While home from college and working a summer job at Commercial Credit, Charles was drafted and immediately married the love of his life, Barbara. He proudly served his country in the United States Army, and upon return, continued working for Commercial Credit until 1961, when his career in the insurance business began. He was owner of Carter Insurance Agency representing Nationwide Insurance Company for 50 years, for which he was recently recognized. He had a true dedication to his community through his years of service in many areas. He was a Houston County Commissioner from January 1971 to December 1982 and served as Chairman for two terms. He was co-founder of Commerce National Bank, which later became Sun Trust Bank, and served on the Board of Directors for many years. He served on the Board of Directors at the Department of Family and Children Services and the Family Support Alliance for the Mentally Ill. Charles was a member and past president of the Jaycees, a member of the Kiwanis Club, the Exchange Club, and the Optimist Club. In 1987, Mr. Carter and his two brothers founded Parkway Memorial Gardens, where he maintained an active role in the operations of the cemetery. Charles grew up in First United Methodist Church of Warner Robins, where his parents were charter members. He later became a charter member of Trinity United Methodist Church and Centerville United Methodist Church, where he remains a member today. Mr. Carter’s greatest treasures were his family and friends, and he never met a stranger. The true example of a man of honor, he enjoyed helping those in need and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Left to cherish the precious memories of Charles are his devoted and loving wife of 55 years, Barbara Reeves Carter of Warner Robins; his children, Charles B. “”Chuck”” Carter, Jr. Gillian of Warner Robins, and Vicki Carter Barnhill Richard of Albany; his siblings, the late Warren Carter Lois, Leroy Carter Marylee, Alma Carter Hollis, both of Warner Robins, and Amanda Carter Bentley Neal of Decatur, Alabama; his grandchildren, Charles B. “”Colby”” Carter, III, Luke Carter, Laylah Carter Evans, Melissa Barnhill Strother Jay, Caroline Barnhill, and Whitcomb Barnhill; his great-grandchildren, Seth Evans, Guy Evans, Jack Strother, and Ashton Carter; and several nieces and nephews. Heritage Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.Condolences may be left for the family in the online guestbook at www.heritagememorialfuneralhome.com