Richard Phillip Carter, Sr. passed away peacefully under hospice care early Monday morning, December 11, 2023, at the age of 74.

Richard was born in Colleton County on June 18, 1949.  He was the son of Alex Peeples Carter, Sr. and Lunita Ulmer Carter.  Richard graduated from Bells High School in 1967 and retired from GTE.  In addition, Richard worked as a Colleton County Deputy Coroner for 25 years, before retiring as the Chief Deputy Coroner in 2020.   He served as the Chief of the Lodge Rescue Squad and was a Lodge/Colleton County volunteer firefighter for 25 years.  Richard was an avid outdoorsman and hunter.  His passion was helping people and providing medical services to the rural parts of Colleton County.  He was a born-again Christian and attended Lodge United Methodist Church where he taught Sunday School.  He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Richard was preceded in death by his daughter, Susan Forrester Carter and survived by his beloved wife, Debbie Ross Carter, his son Richard Phillip Carter, Jr., and daughter-in-law Jennifer Thompson Carter. Richard has two (2) grandchildren Bryson Phillip and Riley Elizabeth Carter. Richard is also survived by his brothers, Alex P. Carter, Jr. and Larry M. Carter, and his sister, Lindy Carter Starliper. He also leaves behind his faithful and cherished dog, Junior.

A graveside funeral service will be held Thursday afternoon, December 14, 2023, at 2:00 at the Lodge United Methodist Church Cemetery located at 20965 Bells Highway; Lodge, SC.  The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 at Parker-Rhoden Funeral Home, 117 Paul Street in Walterboro, and also on the day of the service beginning at 1:00 in the sanctuary of the church.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Lodge United Methodist Church, PO Box 104; Lodge, SC 29082.