Carter was born in Hoboken where he also graduated from high school in 1960. He worked for WXGA TV and retired from Georgia Public Television after many years of employment.

In his spare time, Carter was a ham radio operator and a member of the American Radio Relay League. He also had a CB radio repair shop for a number of years and was noted to have brought the first radios to the area.

In addition to his parents, Carter was also preceded in death by a son, Shannon Liston Carter; and four siblings, Royce Everett Carter, Darceil Cheshire, Syveta Griffin, and Jacquita Laughinghouse.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Joe Ann Liles Carter of Waycross; three daughters, Viva Lynne Steed (Will) of Hortense, Karen Lea Merritt (Michael) of Waycross and Ashlea Nicole Story (Sammy) of Waycross; six grandchildren, Carter Augustus Steed, Amelia Blythe Steed, Makaila Ann Merritt, Makenna Adel Merritt, Samuel Fisher Story and Sadie Faith Story; a brother-in-law, J.R. Griffin of Waycross; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service was held Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at the Music Funeral Home Chapel.

Burial followed in Greenlawn Cemetery.

Music Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.