Terry Carter

Terry Carter of Oxford, Georgia, passed away on March 3, 2025, at the age of 79. Born on April 22, 1945, Terry lived a life rich in service, faith, and unwavering love for his family, his church, and his country.

Terry proudly served five years in the United States Marine Corps as well as dedicated 24 years to the Army, ultimately retiring after a long and honorable career. He ran the Covington National Guard Armory for many years and remained deeply involved in veteran and military support efforts, including organizing military and veteran services at his church and staying active with several veteran organizations, including Yellow Footprints.

His dedication didn’t stop with the military. Terry was an ordained minister through the United Christian Church and Ministerial Service Association. He taught Sunday School and led Wednesday night Bible studies, and was a cornerstone of his congregation, serving with Gaither's Men’s Group and offering ministry to those incarcerated through his passionate prison outreach. Terry’s wisdom, kindness, and spiritual strength touched countless lives.

He was also an associate of the Georgia Enrolled Agent Association (GAEA) and the NRA, and for 28 years, he worked alongside his beloved wife, Marsha, at Marsha Carter Tax Service. A man of innovation as well as dedication, Terry patented a carbon fiber piston for Harley Davidson engines—a testament to both his creativity and mechanical skill. His professional journey also included time at Hercules and Amoco.

Terry was preceded in death by his cherished daughter, Kelley D. Harris; his parents, Homer and Frances Carter; his sister, Peggy Carter; and his nephew, William “Billy” Carter.

He is survived by his loving wife, Marsha Carter; his son, Brian Bennett (Gina); his daughter, Kerri D. Carter; his stepchildren, Dilmus Pippin Jr., Ryanna Clay, Jeremy Choate and Paula Pippin Oheir; grandchildren, Remington, Josh, and Kylee Bennett; Michael, Mark, and Mitchell Thomason; Hannah Grace and Haelyn Harris; Kaitlyn Scogin, Mariah Bales, Carley Carter, Olivia Shatterly, Tori Taylor, Dakoda Pippin, Nathaniel, Charlie, Bobby Jack, and Henry Carter Choate; as well as several great-grandchildren.

Terry loved deeply and without reserve. He was the kind of man who was there for anyone who needed him. He loved his God, his church, his country, and his family fiercely. He loved everybody who would let him—and most anybody who wouldn’t. To know Terry Carter was to be blessed by his presence, his compassion, and his steadfast spirit.

He was, simply put, a fountain of wisdom—and a man you could count on.

Terry’s memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 26, at 2:00 PM at Gaither’s Church, immediately following the memorial service for his brother-in-law, Jerry Cohen. The church is located at 1375 Newton Factory Bridge Road in Covington, Georgia.  Following the service, family and friends are invited to join the family for a meal hosted at the Jason Betts Center at Gaither's Church.

An additional celebration of the lives of Terry Carter and Jerry Cohen will be held for the families and friends at a later date in Lizella, Georgia.