Donald Lewis Carter

Mr. Carter, 87, entered his Heavenly home on September 7, 2026 and was surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Columbia, SC to John Lewis and Ruby Rabon Carter. He graduated from Dentsville High School in 1956 where he played football under Coach Harry Parone. He served in the Army National Guard Reserves for 6 years. He spent 43 years in the trucking industry, and retired from PepsiCo in 2000, a company to whom he always remained loyal. No Cokes in his house! He won many safety awards throughout his driving career. He continued friendships made with drivers over the years. And though driving 18 wheelers was his profession, he was a self-taught mechanic, roofer, builder, plumber, electrician, landscaper and all-around handyman. If something needed repairing, he could do it and he often shared those skills with others in need, always willing to lend a helping hand, asking nothing in return.

He was a Godly man and loved the Lord. He was a part of several churches over his 87 years and a charter member of Spring Valley Baptist Church, where he grew many lifelong friendships.

After moving to Lake Murray over 40 years ago, he enjoyed boating, fishing, keeping his yard in pristine shape, planting a big garden each spring and having deep conversations with his neighbor. He and Ann spent over 50 years camping at Myrtle Beach and cherished lifelong friendships made over those years. He also spent many years assisting Ann at craft shows in Gatlinburg, where they also made many friends and memories. All of the people he met over the years made such a huge difference in Don’s life and he loved them all. Many family memories were made over the years, whether at their lake house or traveling.

He was predeceased by his parents; sisters and brother-in-law’s Ann Mummey (Bob), Jeannette Arrington (Bob) and brother John “Butch” Carter. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Elizabeth Ann Graham Carter, his daughters Debbie Bouknight (Ron) & Donna Royson (Lee) and niece Denise Maracich (Eddie) who was raised alongside the girls and considered him a Father figure; grandchildren, Ben Turner (Sarah), Anthony Giugliano (Jennifer) and Courtney McBride (Daniel); great-grandchildren Maria Giugliano, Maya Turner, Gage Turner, Jonathan Giugliano, Cade Turner and Evie McBride. He also leaves many dearly beloved nieces, nephews, and a brother-in-law, Earl Graham and sister-in-law, Joan Morris. He also leaves his beloved Yorkie, Molly who gave him 7 years of love and joy.

The family wishes to thank the many friends, family, neighbors & church members for all their prayers, yard work, visits, calls and assistance when needed, during Don’s illness.

A Memorial Service will be held on September 14, 2026 at 2:00 pm at Spring Valley Baptist Church, 91 Polo Rd., Columbia, SC. The family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Spring Valley Baptist Church.