Alvin Grant Carter

Alvin Grant Carter passed from this earthly life peacefully on Sunday, April 3, 2022, following a courageous battle with cancer. Alvin was born in Freeport, Texas to Derrell and Fern Carter. He grew up in San Benito and Olmito, Texas. He attended both Los Fresnos and San Benito High School. In 1965, he married the love of his life, Betty Jo George.

Alvin is preceded in death by his parents, Derrell and Fern, his brother Derrell Lynn Carter, and his sister Lee Ellen Anderson. Those left behind to cherish the many glorious memories of his life are his wife, Betty Carter, his sister, Jo Stone, and his children, Bruce (Gloria) Carter, Joe (Christine) Carter, and Jana Carter. He leaves seven grandchildren, Sidney (Robert) Lee, Joshua (Heather) Carter, Shane Carter, Garret Carter, Seth Carter, Sahara Donna and Grace Carter. He also leaves two great grandchildren, Kannon Carter and Theodore Lee.

After starting a family, Alvin began working for the Border Patrol in 1967 and he and Betty moved to Del Rio, Texas. Not long after, he was transferred to Rio Grande City, Texas and resided in Falcon Heights right next to the lake. He enjoyed living in Starr county very much as two of his passions were fishing and hunting. In 1975, he was transferred to Mercedes, Texas and bought the land on which he would spend the rest of his life between Mercedes and La Feria. This is where he started working on his other great passion, raising livestock. In 1983, Alvin purchased his first pig from a good friend, Tommy Terry, and Carter Show Pigs was born. For the next 38 years, he raised and sold hundreds of show pig projects to 4-H and FFA members across the state of Texas.

Alvin loved helping 4-H and FFA youth with their projects. He volunteered as the La Feria 4-H Swine Leader. He was the president of the La Feria Beef Club, an Honorary Member of the Sharyland FFA, an Honorary Member of the Rio Grande Valley District FFA, an Honorary Texas State FFA Degree recipient, and a member of the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show Breeding Gilt Committee.

Those that knew Alvin described him as a hardworking man that was as honest as the day is long. He was one that loved his family dearly. He loved to laugh, had a great sense of humor, and was an accomplished, self-taught guitar player. His legacy of hard work, honesty, love and laughter is evident, and he will be missed by the many hearts he touched.

The family will hold a celebration of life service at 10: 00 AM on Saturday, April 9, 2022, at the First Presbyterian Church in Mercedes, Texas (601 S. Texas). followed by a visitation with family and refreshments. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the MD Anderson Cancer Center, Hospice or to the charity of your choice.