POWELLSVILLE – Ernest Rawls “Buck” Carter, age 90, of Powellsville, North Carolina, died Sunday, November 12, 2017 at home after battling lymphoma since being diagnosed in January.

He was born in Ahoskie on September 1, 1927, the son of Ernest Randolph “Pop” Carter and Lucie Tayloe Carter. He wed Rebecca “Becky” Edwards of Franklin, Virginia, on August 19, 1956.

He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Fred Carter; and his grandson, Carter Stephenson.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 61 years; his children, Jennifer Stephenson (Kent), of Franklin, Virginia, and Ernie Carter (Gail), of Powellsville; and his grandchildren, Rebecca Stephenson Harper (Witt), of Franklin, and Hinton Carter, Mollie Carter and Will Carter, all of Wilmington, North Carolina. He is also survived by his niece and nephews, Pam Carter Foy (Rob), Jimmy Carter and Paul Carter (Carolyn); and by his many loving Edwards family members.

He graduated from Ahoskie High School and attended NC State College until he was drafted in military service at the end of World War II. He returned home and after graduating from Louisburg College, he attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He was a proud Tarheel, but always pulled for the ACC teams.

He was a lifelong member of Powellsville United Methodist Church where he taught Sunday School, served as Superintendent, Treasurer and in all phases of Church life. He retired in 1978 from operation of E. R. Carter & Son, a country store he operated with his parents in Powellsville. He served the Town as a Commissioner and Mayor. His proudest accomplishment was in his service in the Powellsville Volunteer Fire Department. Serving as Fire Chief from the inception of the Department until he stepped down due to illness, he continued his active duty service for over 57 years, finally retiring in 2015. NC Governor James Holshouser in 1975 conferred on him the Order of the Long Leaf Pine for his distinguished community service.

He was renowned for his several triumphs over cancer, having survived colon cancer in 1973, liver cancer in 1977, lung cancer in 1981 and skin cancers throughout his adult life. His courageous battles inspired others and he was always ready to share his story and encourage others.

In keeping with his wishes, his life will be celebrated at a graveside service and inurnment at Highland Memorial Gardens at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 15. A reception open to all friends and family will be held immediately following the service at Powellsville Baptist Church, Family Life Center, Main Street, Powellsville.

In lieu of flowers, he requested that donations be made to Powellsville United Methodist Church, PO Box 33, or to Powellsville Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 142, both in Powellsville, NC 27967.

The family is receiving guests at the home, 110 Bethlehem Church Road.

Miller Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.