Gary W Carter

Obituary for

Gary Wayne Carter

Gary Wayne Carter, age 80, at home in Pickerington, Ohio, peacefully transitioned from this life on Sunday, May 18, 2025. Born April 6, 1945, in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa. He was the eldest son of the late Mary A. (née Bulford) and Clinton T. Carter. Gary attended Polk County Schools in Des Moines, Iowa, where his formative years unfolded.

On November 28, 1975, Gary married his lovely Queen Phillermena A. (née Terry) Harris. Together they created an always welcoming Christian home in Columbus, Ohio with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Gary was a man full of faith and conviction and loved the Lord with all his heart. After experiencing and witnessing the biblical Sunday School teachings of the late Brother Henry Sims, Gary committed his life to the Lord. He served forty-one years of active church service as a member of Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of its’ Pastor, Overseer Michael D. Reeves Sr.

After accepting Christ, Gary hit the floor running and began photographing church events such as weddings, the Miss Corinthian Pageant, the Corinthian Baby Contest, church choir groups, church anniversaries. And he served as a committee member and the resident photographer for the 50th Church Anniversary.

At Corinthian, he served tirelessly as a member and church usher until his health no longer permitted. He also became the Usher Ministry President and was a member of the International Church Ushers Association. Gary served as a church Trustee, now known as church Stewards. He served on the church Scholarship committee, assisting students with some expenses associated with higher education. Gary served as one of the church Van Ministry Driver’s. In September 1999, Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church moved into its new church edifice. Gary led the new Technology Team to ensure that church staff members were prepared and equipped with up-to-date technology and computer skills. 

He also shared his gifts with the community. Gary and his partner produced the first Miss Black Universe Pageant held Mother’s May 13, 1979, at the Nationwide Plaza Auditorium, in Columbus, OH. He was also an accredited member of the Columbus Maccabeus Magazine Press, Inc.

During the 1970s, Gary was employed by The Jeffrey Manufacturing Company. Later, he worked for the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA). Gary retired from COTA on September 30, 2010, where he worked as a dedicated Motor Coach Operator. During his career at COTA, Gary received accolades, and recognition including an award for twenty-three years of excellent safe driving. He was promoted as a motor coach trainer and loved the challenge of training drivers. He enjoyed meeting and greeting new and regular passengers daily. After he retired from COTA, he became employed with Lakefront Lines, now known as Coach USA. Working with COTA, Gary traveled the streets of Columbus and the connecting suburbs. His employment with Lakefront offered him the opportunity to travel throughout the United States and transport some of the top university athletes across the highways. He also served his local church on bus trips to various church events.

Gary has been known for many things throughout his life, including a carpenter, encourager, and a real jokester. His spouse’s girlfriends were his favorite targets, or should we say his victims. Especially those who sported extremely ostentatious church hats, or mountainous top-styled hair braiding.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Mary (née Buford) and Clinton Carter; Brothers: Richard Carter, and Frederick Carter; Sisters: Kimberly McMahan and Joanne Carter.

Leaving to treasure his memory is his loving and devoted spouse of almost fifty years, Phillermena A. Carter; Adult children: Talanda R. Young, Minneapolis, MN, Terrance A. (Gwen) Harris Columbus, OH; and Romel M. Carter, Reynoldsburg, OH, Brothers: Clinton Carter Jr., Daniel Carter, Daryl Carter, Des Moines, IA, Sister: Mica King, Des Moines, IA; Grandchildren: Andŕe Einfeldt, Houston, TX, N′yKeyia Chambliss, Phoenix, AZ, Kirk Young, Minneapolis, MN, Montez Harris, and Casey Myles, Columbus, OH, Gabrielle Rakes, Aaron Rakes, Reynoldsburg, OH; and Israel Carter, Baton Rouge, LA, plus ten Great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Celebration of Life 11AM Monday, June 2, 2025 at Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church, 3161 E Fifth Ave., Columbus, Ohio. Family will receive friends 10AM until time of service. Interment, Franklin Hills Memory Gardens, 5802 Elder Rd., Canal Winchester, Ohio. Arrangements entrusted to SMOOT FUNERAL SERVICES, 4019 E. Livingston Ave., Columbus, Ohio, Marcia T Smoot, Funeral Director, 614-444-1463.

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