Edward Earl McCarter

Deacon Edward Earl McCarter was born on June 29, 1953, in Onslow County, N.C. “Slim” as we affectionately call him or “Big Mac” by others; was a graduate of Jones Senior High School in Trenton N.C. After graduating, he attended Coastal Carolina Community College in Jacksonville N.C., where he studied auto mechanics and became an All-Star basketball player.

On November 7, 1973, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and during this time he continued to pursue his love for basketball by participating in various basketball leagues in the United States and Europe. While on military leave, he connected with a classmate, whom he dated and fell in love with. On June 27,1981, He married the love of his life, Charlene. Together they raised 2 beautiful daughters and made Kokomo their home, while enjoying more than 30yrs of love and companionship

Edward excelled at his job and was promoted to Tech-Sergeant where he worked as an Aircraft Crew Chief and served in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm from August 2,1990, until his retirement from the Air Force on November 30, 1993, while stationed at Grissom Air-Force Base, Indiana. He worked at Chrysler for many years before taking on new challenges. Never to sit still, “Slim” started officiating various sporting events which put him back in the action on a different level. He remained a fierce competitor on the court and a passionate, caring person off the court. He never met a stranger and would often engage in conversation with people he just met, smile with them, and then give off a big ol’ laugh.

“Slim” loved being with family and friends and would travel great distances to attend family events, church functions, funerals, and reunions. He understood the meaning of being in the presence of family, no matter the circumstance or situation. He was charismatic and could captivate any space he was in with his big laugh and even bigger personality. Along with his brother Marvin, he was also bona-fide comedian in the family. “Slim” gave so much and expected so little in return.

In his most cherished role as a Deacon at Second Missionary Baptist Church, he was heavily involved in the prayer ministry and church league basketball. “Slim “inspired those around him by bringing laughter inside and outside church events. He was a natural leader who loved the fellowship of family and friends until the end. Preceding him in his death were his mother Thelma Mattocks McCarter and his wife Charlene Murrell McCarter.

“Slim”, the eldest sibling, was a loving brother, husband, a devoted father, and grandfather. He leaves to cherish his memories devoted children, daughters LaKeisha McCarter, Atlanta, GA; Nicole McCarter, Indianapolis, IN.; devoted grandson, Xavier McCarter, Kokomo, IN; father Dea. Clifton Simon McCarter, Maysville, N.C; and brothers Clifton Aaron McCarter wife (Arlene) Jacksonville, N.C; Marvin McCarter New Bern, N.C; Dea. Nelson McCarter wife (Shelia) Jacksonville N.C; Dea David McCarter Jacksonville, N.C; Min. Dennis McCarter wife (Jo Ann) Blythewood, S.C; Early McCarter Maysville; N.C; sisters Patricia McCarter Raleigh, N.C, and Luvondee Willis husband (Steve) Jacksonville N.C; sister-in-law Janice Murrell, New Bern, N.C; and a host of uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces and cousins.

The Homegoing service Saturday , July 9, 2022, 12pm at Trent River Oakey Grove Missionary Baptist Association, 417 Georgetown Rd., Jacksonville , NC 28540. Family will receive friends 11am until time of service. Wake will be held on Friday July 8, 2022 , 4pm -6pm at Morgan Funeral Home, 150 Williamsburg Parkway, Jacksonville, NC 28546.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.williamsandbluitt.com for the McCarter family.