Jerry Kenneth Carter

Jerry Kenneth Carter, age 85, of Fairview, Tennessee passed away on Friday, July 12, 2024. He was born on September 19, 1938, to his late parents, Riley and Sarah Jones Carter. A native of Fairview, Jerry was a student of the first graduating class of Fairview High School. He would go on to enjoy a thirty plus year career with Vanderbilt University. Most importantly, he obeyed the gospel of Christ, and was added to the Lord’s Church. Jerry was a faithful member of the South Harpeth Church of Christ for the past three decades, serving as an elder for many years. 

Jerry and Carolyn were married for sixty-one wonderful years. He faithfully and selflessly cared for her as her health declined, never leaving her side. Their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren meant everything to them. He was affectionately known as Papaw. Jerry enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and being outdoors. He made rockers and swings that were treasured works of art. He was also a master handyman who could build and fix just about anything. Those who knew him best considered him to be meek, humble, kind, and loving to all.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Riley and Sarah Carter; his loving wife, Carolyn Carter; daughter-in-law, Tresa Carter; son-in-law, Brandon Sullivan; siblings, Cledies Carter, Wallace Carter, Lynard Carter, Leroy Carter, Mildred Conner, Dureen Kennedy, Lurlene Nalls, Pearl Gipson, and Adell Carter; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his children, Tim Carter, Kevin Carter (Jamie), Jason Carter (Karen), Jennifer Cantrell (John); grandchildren Molly Hite (Chris), Riley Carter (Hannah), Mia Doucette (Spencer), Amanda Slaughter (Jay), Leann Hollars (Jon), Kaylan Gilbert, Kylie Carter, Todd Carter (Cailie), Levi Sullivan, Hannah Sullivan, and Ella Cantrell;  great- grandchildren, Lillian Hite, Sawyer Hite, Jack Slaughter, Madalynn Slaughter, Rowan Hollars, Bryce Carter, Sutton Carter, Weston Gilbert, Graham Doucette, and Gracie Doucette; and sister-in-laws, Barbara Russell, and Judy Todd.

A visitation will be held at Harpeth Hills Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, from 4:00pm until 8:00pm and on Wednesday, July 17, from 10:30am until the hour of service. The funeral service will begin at 11:30am on Wednesday with John Cantrell officiating. The interment will be in Lampley Cemetery following the dismissal of the service.

Serving as active pallbearers will be Riley Carter, Levi Sullivan, Todd Carter, Chris Hite, Spencer Doucette, Jon Hollars, Jay Slaughter, Mark Aaron Hillard, and Jack Slaughter. Our honorary pallbearers are David Jones, Bobby Yates, Russell Jones,  Bobby McDaniel, and Lawrence Lankford.