Arvid Donald Carter

Arvid Donald "Don" Carter, affectionately known as "Big Don" to family and friends, was born in Bluefield, West Virginia, September 19th, 1942. He departed this life (transitioned to Heaven) January 11, 2026, after a long illness. He was the beloved son of the late Jack Carter and Lula Finley Poole Carter. Don was the youngest of three children. He grew up with his late older brothers Douglas Carter and Ponce De-Leon Moss. He later moved to Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania to live with his Uncle Graham Poole and Aunt Viola Poole who took him in and helped shape his young life. They have both preceded him in death.

Education and Military Service:

Don attended Haverford High School in Havertown, PA. After graduating from Haverford High, he joined the U.S. Air Force. Upon completing basic training in Texas, he was deployed to Thailand during the Vietnam War in 1962 - at just 19 years old - where he Served his Country honorably. With little knowledge of Southeast Asia - including Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, Don quickly developed essential survival skills. His military experience as a Sergeant of the Military Police (MP) left a lasting impression on his life. He learned (and spoke) the Thai language and met the King of Thailand during his military time there.

Faith and Community Involvement:

Upon returning to the Philadelphia Area, Don joined Mount Zion Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon. He later graduated from seminary school and became an ordained minister serving his community with compassion and dedication. He also served as an Assistant Minister at Rehoboth Full Gospel Church located in Philadelphia, PA.

Marriage and Family Life:

Don was introduced to Marcia by the Teets, church friends, in 1976. Marcia, a registered nurse, became his wife in 1978 at Living Word Community Church based in Philadelphia, PA. The couple considered Living Word Community their spiritual home.

Marcia and Don welcomed their one and only child, Donald Graham Carter, in 1983. As a family, their first home was in Yeadon, PA. A few years after their son's birth, they moved to Bryn Mawr, PA. Later in 1996, the family moved to Coppell, Texas. Marcia continues to reside there in the family home.

Career and Later Years:

Don built a successful career, working at Quaker State Oil as Director of Training and Development. In 1996, he and his family moved to Texas for this opportunity. Embracing entrepreneurship, Don founded Cartgroup in 2000 after a distinguished career in both the corporate and government sectors. He was committed to serving veterans and the community.

Church Leadership and Community Impact:

In Texas, Don and Marcia became active members of Covenant Church in Carrollton, Texas where they served as group leaders and eventually became Elders. Don enjoyed a close relationship with his father-in-law, the late Pastor Wendell "Buck" Sharpe, and mother-in-law Ann Sharpe of Philadelphia, PA. He was especially close to his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Timothy and Cheryle Sharpe of Lindenwold, NJ.

Personal Interests and Character:

Don was known for his love of nature, often sitting outdoors and watching the stars at night. He was a people person - always ready to strike up a conversation with anyone. Don took pride in presenting himself well, always "dapper" and professional. His favorite pastimes were watching movies with his family and taking family vacation getaways. He was a longtime Philadelphia Eagles football fan too.

Don mentored many young men during his lifetime, both spiritually and professionally. These were all meaningful relationships to him, and he celebrated their successes throughout his life.

Legacy:

Don is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Marcia; his devoted son, Donald and daughter-in-law Ebony; his two grandsons, Roman and Graham; his mother-in-law Ann Sharpe; his special Brother-In-Law Timothy Sharpe, Sister-In-Law Cheryle Randolph-Sharpe and their daughter, Jayla; and a host of other family and friends. He was also blessed to have loving neighbors who became our Texas Family, Dallas and Sharon Diggs and their children, Chandler, Alyssa & Alanna Diggs, as well as a cherished community of many very close friends who we consider to be The Family that God gave us.

Don’s life was a testament to faith, family, and service. He touched countless lives through his work, ministry, and personal connections. His memory will remain with all who knew and loved him.

He was “A King Maker of Men.”