Oliver R. "Ben" Carter
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Feb 28th, 2015
- Death Date: Feb 28, 2015
- Save: Print this Obituary
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Biography: Oliver R. ?Ben? Carter, age 91, of Little Rock, Arkansas went to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 28, 2015. Born in the Rodgers Community in Pike County, Alabama, to John Arthur Carter and Ruby Louella Rodgers Carter, Ben began his education in the one-room Rodgers Schoolhouse and graduated from Goshen High School before receiving his undergraduate and master?s degrees from Auburn University. He married the love of his life, Elizabeth ?Betty? Abbott Carter, on Christmas Eve in 1948 in Talladega, Alabama. During World War II, Ben served his country as a technical sergeant, top turret gunner, and flight engineer with the Army Air Force, flying 31 missions over Germany in a B-17 bomber before his 21st birthday. He was stationed in Polebrook, England, as a member of the 351st Bombardment Group. Professionally, Ben was a soil scientist for the Soil Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture and then a consultant for the State Department. He was also a published author. Throughout his career Ben worked in Alabama, Arkansas, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Liberia, Yemen, Indonesia, and Suriname. He also traveled extensively, reaching six of the seven continents. Ben was a proud descendent of heroes of the American Revolution and Scottish and German Colonial-American ancestors, arriving as early as the 1680?s. Ben enjoyed playing golf with dear friends, even in his last weeks, and was a faithful Presbyterian. He was an avid reader who had an appreciation for people of all faiths and cultures. He loved life, his family, Auburn football, bad jokes, and never missed an opportunity to hug a pretty lady. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Elizabeth ?Betty? Abbott Carter of Little Rock, two daughters, Toni Carter Cullum of Little Rock and Cynthia Carter of Mountain Home, one son, Mitchel Carter (Laurie) of Oviedo, FL, a sister, Vera Carter King of Albany, GA. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Erin Cullum Marcussen (Jeff) of Little Rock, William Dyer, Jr. of Fayetteville, Daniel Dyer of Memphis, TN, Olivia Dyer of Mountain Home, and Emmaline Carter of Oviedo, FL, a great-granddaughter, Cora Marcussen, and many beloved nieces and nephews. DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER A CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2015 AT 2 PM at Second Presbyterian Church. Memorials may be made to Second Presbyterian Church or the Good Shepherd?s Cove Memorial Garden.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I will always cherish my fond memories of you and Ben.
Colleen
Sincerely,
Karen Suen
Daddy took great care of us in life and he provided beautifully for my mom in his loss.
Love you Pop.....
My heart aches for all of you. I understand your loss and am grieving with you. Ben was such a wonderful part of my life also. My prayer for each of you is that God will grant each of you whatever you need in order to feel some sense of peace and comfort. All my love to you. Sylvia
I am truly sorry for your loss and wish God's blessing on you at this time. Rueben was quite a character and will be missed by many.