Read Carter devoted over four decades of his life to educating Brantley County’s school children.
Carter, former assistant superindent of Brantley County Schools, passed away Wednesd a y morning, March 19, at his resi dence, following an extended illness. He was 80.
“I think Mr. Carter probably holds the record for longest service to the Brantley County School System,” said School Superintendent Dr. Kim Morgan. “Mr. Read was dedicated to our students and to his work.”
Carter was first hired as a teacher in 1975 after putting himself through college working as a truck driver with his family’s business.
Carter
Carter became assistant superintendent in 1993 and focused on managing the school system’s budget until his initial retirement in 2017. He returned to work on a parttime basis as the system’s facilities director, serving for another three years before finally fully retiring in 2020.
“He was an encourager and I will always be grateful to him for showing me the ropes,” said Dr. Morgan. “He helped me understand the numbers and know how to manage budgets.”
Dr. Morgan said Carter also was a very easy going person.
“I never remember him being negative about anything,” she said. “He never complained.”
Dr. Greg Jacobs, former school superintendent and Heron basketball coach, said he remembers Carter as a good Christian man who dearly loved his family.
The pair worked closely together during Jacobs’ 12 years at the Brantley County District Office. Jacobs later became the director of the regional Okefenokee Regional Education Services Agency (RESA).
“He cared greatly about the success of Brantley County students and staff and the school district as a whole,” said Dr. Jacobs.
And, the two shared a love of basketball.
“We shared the same ideals about education,” said Jacobs, “and he loved basketball as much as I do. Working alongside him was productive and enjoyable.”
Carter came from a family of public servants and educators.
In addition to his service in the public schools, he had served in the United States Air National Guard. He loved rebuilding cars, driving his tractor, singing, playing the guitar, and watching videos of George Strait and Charlie Pride.
He was also a devoted Christian and family man. He always enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play ball. He was routinely spotted at Heron sporting events including as recently as last month.
Funeral services were held Friday, March 21, from the Riverside Chapel
