James Phillip "Phil" Carter

James Phillip "Phil" Carter, age 76, of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2025. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Phil will be remembered for his kind and compassionate heart, work ethic, and deep love for his family. Phil is preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Marie Carter.

He is survived by his beloved wife Rebecca Brewer Carter of Nashville. His two daughters were the light of his life, Dayna Valussi (Andres) and Amanda Beth Cummings, all of Vero Beach, Florida. He was also blessed with granddaughters McKenzie Elizabeth Cummings and Charlotte Naomi Cummings, and his brother William Robert Carter (Mary Jane) of Eagleville.

Born in Nashville and raised in Smyrna, Tennessee, Phil lived a full and joyful life.

He graduated from Smyrna High School and attended Middle Tennessee State University.

He loved his Davidson County family farm and was proud of the ancestral land where many generations of his family lived before him.

He dedicated 43 years of his career to the food services industry—first at Robert Orr and then at Sysco Food Service until retirement. He built lasting personal and professional friendships and earned the respect of colleagues and customers for his commitment and integrity.

Phil had a lifelong passion for sports from being captain of his high school football team to being a loyal Tennessee Titans fan. He was a lifelong fan of the Vanderbilt Commodores through every season. He found great joy in traveling especially his annual trips to the mountains and the beach.

Phil was an avid reader, enjoyed conversations from sports to politics, anything outdoors, and antique tractors. He liked to repair things rather than replace them, and passed down his values of hard work and honesty to his children. Tennessee walking horses and his dogs held a special place in his heart and his connection with them reflected his patience, strength and gentle nature.

Phil was a man of faith and lived his life much like Romans 5: 3-4 “We rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, HOPE. Even during his recent illness, he never gave up hope, relying instead on his quiet courage and zest for life.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and memories that will be treasured by all who knew him.

A funeral service will be held Friday August 29, 2025 at 3:00 PM at Clearview Baptist Church located at 537 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37069. Burial will follow at Woodlawn cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church at 2:00 until the service starts.