Reginald Van Carter

Reginald Van Carter (Reg), cherished son, brother, and friend, passed away on July 28, 2024.

Born on June 11, 1963, Reginald lived a life filled with passion, adventure, and a zest for life. Reg was born and raised in Stockton, CA and attended Greater Faith Baptist Church. His early days in Stockton were filled with the joy of sports, where he discovered a particular talent for football. Playing for the North Stockton Bengal Tigers in Pop Warner football, Reg's talent and determination quickly stood out. In high school, his excellence on the field earned him a place on the all-SJAA Team in 1979 and 1980, proudly representing the Lincoln High School Trojans.

Reg’s high school years were not only marked by athletic prowess but also by his creative flair. As a member of the Lincolnian journalism staff, he thrived as both a writer and photographer. His passion for sports photography captured the essence of the game, and his work was published in the Stockton Record. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1981.

After high school, Reg proudly served his country in the US Navy as a submarine Sonar Technician on the USS Flasher. His time in the Navy was marked by dedication and an adventurous spirit. The skills and discipline he acquired during his service would serve him well in his future endeavors.

Following his honorable discharge, Reginald pursued higher education. He earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism from UC Davis, where his curiosity and talent blossomed. Later, he furthered his education by obtaining a master’s in marketing from Northwestern University, blending his creative insights with strategic acumen.

Reg’s interests were as diverse as his talents. He was a race car enthusiast, an avid golfer, and a dog lover. A connoisseur of fine wines, he enjoyed exploring different varietals and sharing his discoveries with family and friends. Music was a constant in his life, and he enjoyed listening to a variety of musicians and styles. He loved traveling and experiencing new places. Known for his infectious sense of humor, Reg was the life of every party, always ready with a joke and a smile.

In recent years, Reg returned to his passion for storytelling, leaving behind several manuscripts. At the time of his death, he was working on a series of short stories he planned to publish later this year. Reg’s ability to connect with people from all walks of life leb him with a host of friends and professional connections. Shortly before his passing, he was promoted to Provider Relations Manager for Community Eye Care at VSP, and was excited to embark on this new adventure. His legacy as a leader will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.

Reg is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Fred Douglas Hicks and Amy Ford Hicks, his paternal grandparents, Edward Francis Carter and Eliza Gardner Carter, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Reg leaves behind his mother Ruth Strickling (James), his father Clarence Carter (Suzette), siblings Valerie Washington (Dumisani), Charly Douglas, and Angel Carter, nephew Joshua Washington (Olga), nieces Sara Goggin (Daniel), Leah Washington, Hannah Washington, Mareyah Washington, and Yasha Washington, grand-nephews Ezra, Judah, and Miles, and a long list of aunts, uncles, and cousins, and his dog Scarlett.

A celebration of Reg's life will be held on August 13, 2024, at DeYoung Memorial Chapel in Stockton, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a GoFundMe in his name benefiting the Delta Humane Society, a cause close to Reg’s heart.

Rest in peace, Reg. Your spirit will continue to shine brightly, and your legacy of love, laughter, and creativity will inspire us all to live life to the fullest.