Rev. Dr. Robert Lee "Bob" Carter Jr.
December 17, 1931 ~ May 15, 2025
Born in:
West End, NC
Resided in:
Arden, NC
Asheville Butterfly TrailThe Rev. Dr. Robert Lee Carter Jr. passed away Thursday, May 15, 2025 at Brookdale Senior Living in Asheville.
Bob was born on December 17, 1931 in West End, NC to the late Marie Forrest Carter and Robert Lee Carter. Bob attended high school at Stone Wall Jackson in Charleston, WV. He graduated from Morris Harvey College with a Bachelor of Music, Master of Arts from Marshall University, Master of Divinity from Duke University, and Doctorate of Ministry from Drew University in Madison, New Jersey.
Before Bob got a calling to become a Pastor, he was a high school band director in Sissonville, WV. He then went on to become a United Methodist Pastor, serving congregations in Shelby, Glen Alpine, Charlotte, Lexington, and Greensboro. He served as District Superintendent in Charlotte and Salisbury. He then went on to serve as the leader of the Council of Higher Education.
He enjoyed music, many times singing in the choirs at the churches he served and also enjoyed ringing handbells. He was an avid reader, enjoyed movies, and attending his grandchildren’s activities. He loved playing golf and in 1996 he got two holes in one at the Bryan Park Championships Course in Greensboro.
Bob was married for 53 years to Jo Ellen Carter, who passed away in 2005. He was blessed with three children; son, Dr. Scott Carter (his wife, Joy) of Greenville, NC, daughter, Kim Wrightenberry (her husband, Mac) of Asheville and daughter, Beth Thomas (her husband, Dennis) of Las Cruces, NM; eight grandchildren and their spouses, Laura, Mallory, Ashley, Stephen, Chandler, Jessica, Joshua and Jeremy; one sister, Ann Burrows of Cincinnati, OH and six great-grandchildren; he was preceded in death by his brother Max Edward Carter Sr. and his sister Ann Burrows.
The family will hold a private memorial service at Christ United Methodist Church in Greensboro.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Memory Care, 100 Far Horizons Lane. Asheville NC 28803.
Groce Funeral Home’s Lake Julian team is assisting the family.
View current weather.
Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Rev. Dr. Robert Lee "Bob" Carter 's name.
Memory Care
100 Far Horizons Lane
Asheville,
NC
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Scott, Joy and Family,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family in the loss of your father. What a full, meaningful and Christ-centered life he led. Scott, it is clear where you received your musical talent. Know that your St. James family and choir sends their love and prayers during this time of grief.
Blessings,
Dane and Tim
Scott, Joy and all family members,
So sorry to learn of Bob’s recent death in the Charlotte Observer. Your parents really had an impact throughout their lives. I still miss Jo Ellen, who was a close friend during my early years in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools.
May God grant you the strength and courage to face both the joys and challenges of each new day, especially following your father’s death.
Sending love your way.
My sympathy to the whole Carter family. I was sorry to read about Bob’ss death.
I have wonderful memories of the whole family beginning back in our days at Pinewood School. And then Beth each year when they have the East Meck musical!!!
May your memories give you comfort during this sad time.
Much love to all.