Ben Montgomery Cart

Ben Montgomery Cart, 88 passed away peacefully in his home after a brief battle with cancer. He was born April 9, 1929 to the late Lucile and John Cart of Spartanburg, SC. He attended Christ School and Riverside Military prior to the University of Virginia. Ben served our country in the Army artillery in the Korean War and was awarded the Purple Heart in 1951 for wounds received in action.

In 1954 Ben founded Cart Petroleum and Cart Oil, two companies that started with a single fuel tanker and later expanded to serve the South East. He then sold both companies six years later to Hess oil. In search of his next business adventure, Ben created Summit Camps for Boys and Girls at Cedar Mountain NC. In 1990 Ben sold the Camps, which is now part of the Dupont State Forest that generations to come could enjoy the natural treasures that he loved.

Ben spent every childhood summer on Lake Summit, NC surrounded by family and friends. He and his brothers spent their days swimming, skiing, and impressing girls, which he always had a knack for. Later in life, he made sure his children had the same opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of the Summit Lake that held such a special place in his heart.

Ben had a passion for aviation that began at Summit Camps and continued throughout his life. Flying multiple types of aircrafts, his Focke-Wulf was his favorite. He passed this passion on to his grandsons who share his adventuresome personality.

For Ben, boundaries did not exist, he created his own opportunities and ran after life at full speed. He truly lived his life to the fullest. An avid storyteller and jokester, he will be remembered for his abundant energy and charisma.

He is preceded in death by his sister, Elizabeth Cart Morrison, brothers Walter Montgomery Cart and John Montgomery Cart and granddaughter Leigh Montgomery Cart.

A memorial service will held March 3rd, 2018 at 11:00 am at the Church of The Advent, in Spartanburg SC. Reception following service at the Piedmont Club, Spartanburg, SC.

He is survived by his loving wife, Ella McBee Cart, and his children, Grace Montgomery Cart, Margaret Montgomery Cart, Robert O Cart, Julia L. Cart, Alice O Cart, Celia D Cart and Ben Montgomery Cart Jr.

His Grandchildren are Emma S. Cart, Isabel R Cart, William Hayden Cart, Harrison S Cart, Richard Arthur Fields, Nickolas D Maskell, and Ben Montgomery III.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Friends of Dupont State Forest, P.O. Box 2107, Brevard, NC 28712. Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.edomillerandsons.com