Charles James Carter Sr.

Charles James Carter, Sr better known as “Chuckie” was born on March 12, 1956 in Philadelphia, PA. He was the son of the late Charles J. Hardy Sr. and Ernestine L. Carter. On Monday October 19, 2020 Charles was surrounded by the love of his wife and family when his earthly residence was relinquished to the loving arms of our heavenly father. Charles received his early education in the Philadelphia public school system and continued his education throughout the years while in the United States Army and employment by the United States Department of Defense. As a young man Charles served several years in the United States Army, as a Communication Specialist. Most of those years were spent in Georgia and Germany. He also maintained a period of time in the United States Army Reserve. While employed for thirty-six years with the United States Department of Defense, he held several positions as a Certified Electrician, Building and Management Inspector and Planner Estimator. Charles was located at numerous installations throughout the country. At times more closer to home at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, Bethesda Naval Hospital, Pentagon Annex, and ended his career in 2011 at the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces in Washington, D.C. Through out his career he received numerous citations and awards. Growing up on cement Charles loved playing and working in the dirt. He gardened and planted numerous trees, bushes and flowers. After retirement he became a Master Gardener with the University of Maryland Extension. Charles enjoyed football and was a big fan of his hometown team The Philadelphia Eagles. When it came to music he was a lover of Smooth Jazz. Among other events he attended to listen and talk with the artist, he always made sure we had tickets to attend the annual Berks Jazz Festival. Charles talked and laughed loud enough to fill up an entire room. He said what he thought (to anyone) and meant it! His smile and humor would leave an everlasting impression. He was a great debater and history buff. He often watched the History station and was able to tell you the source to find the answer to a question before there was google. Back in the eighties Charles was on the CBS game show The Price Is Right with Bob Barker. He won a sailboat that he admired for a brief time before he sold it. Charles’ retirement gift was Bud (his dog). Bud and him had a bond like no other owner and pet. To this day when Bud wants to go outside he’ll ring a bell near the front door. Anyone who really knew Charles knew he loved scratch off lottery tickets. He would say, ‘bring me a scratch off when you come by” and “When I hit big I’ll give my ten percent to the church”. Charles’ early Christian journey began in Philadelphia, PA with the spiritual guidance of Rev. Celess Martin. When he located to Maryland he became a member of Bethel A.M.E. Church, Church Hill, MD and later joined Bethel A.M.E. Church, Chestertown, MD. His reading of the Our Daily Bread, and The Upper Room were a part of his nightly reading. It was forty years ago in October 1980 Charles met Iris Rochester and instant love connection occurred. They married on August 11, 1984. Prior to this union he was married to Valerie Richburg. They both allowed Iris to have a loving relationship with two wonderful sons “Reggie and Charlie”. In addition to his parents Charles was preceded in death by his brothers Curtis Carter, Leroy Carter, and Richard Hardy. Charles’ children will cherish, honor and share his legacy: Sons, Reginald Carter and Charles Carter Jr. Daughter, Celeste Carter. Grandchildren that could melt his heart: Karina Carter, Caleb Carter, Caitlin Carter, and Joshua Carter. His loving Great-Granddaughter: Karin Savage. Siblings: Andrew Hardy, Caroline Baker(Jim), Charles Hardy Jr., Charlotte Eubanks(James), Elizabeth Moffitt(Michael), Ernestine Carter, Evelyn Carter, John Carter, Karen Carter, Michael Carter, Sonja Carter-Robinson, William Carter. Godchildren: Guishia Jones, Shana Rochester, Jamale Rochester, Christopher Sudler and Kyila Wright. Unconditional love for Charles: Mother- in- law Rev. Janet Rochester, “Unc” George Hynson, Sister- in-laws, Brother- in-laws, a host of Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and Countless friends. Services will be held on Friday, October 30, at the Centreville United Methodist Church at 12 pm. Family and friends may visit two hours prior.

Charles James Carter Sr.

March 12, 1956 - October 19, 2020