Jerry Dee Carter

Jerry Dee Carter, 85, of Hazen, Ark., entered Heaven on October 18, 2022. He and his twin brother, the late Joe Barrett Carter, were born December 29, 1936, to Verner Alan and Grace Barrett Carter. Jerry is survived by his son, Sammy Whiting and wife, Nancy of Gillett, Ark.; daughter, Carrie Susan Carter and son-in-law, Jon Beckwith of Hazen; grandsons, Austin Whiting, Barrett Whiting (Fran), Blake Beckwith (Sydney); and great-grandson, Graham Logan Beckwith. He is also survived by many loved nieces and nephews, their children and grandchildren; special caregivers, Ashlie Turner and Mandy James, who became family members the last four years and much appreciated. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Verner and Grace Carter; his loving wife, Carolyn Sue Dickson Carter; brothers, Nick, Alan, and Joe Carter; sisters, Marilyn Carter and Rozan McFadden; grandson, Jerry Logan Carter; and his aunt, Ruth Barrett Fox. Jerry attended Hazen Schools where he excelled in football and baseball, and was one of the first two to be named all district football player for Hazen High School. He attended Henderson State University and the University of Arkansas, and returned home to crop farm and fish farm. Eventually transitioning solely to fish farming. He served in the National Guard, was a member of the Hazen City Council for many years, served as mayor of Hazen, and was a member of the Prairie County Quorum Court. His biggest joy while serving his city and county was performing marriage ceremonies. He even had a couple stop at the fish vats to be married, and of course, he happily stopped what he was doing in order to oblige. Jerry was a charter member of the Grand Prairie County Club, Dirty Dozen Deer Club and helped establish the Hazen Baseball Association. He was a member of NRA, Central Arkansas Squirrel Hunters, Arkansas Squirrel Hunters, and a Mason. He enjoyed all outdoor activities, including playing golf, fishing, squirrel hunting, deer hunting, and his greatest passion of course, duck hunting. He took such great joy in taking and teaching our youth duck hunting, spending great times and making memories with kids, friends, and their children, by most importantly introducing many generations the sport of duck hunting. Jerry accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior many years ago. He was raised in the United Methodist Church. After his marriage, they joined the First Baptist Church and the last decade he moved his membership to Calvary Baptist Church where he was accepted and loved for his wit and sometimes unpredictable comments and enjoyed Bro Christian VanHouten and the congregation faithfully checking on him, visiting him and loving him. Jerry Carter was a larger than life, one-of-a-kind, true character that everyone has a story and a memory or two about. He could always be counted on for an unexpected comment, original or one-liner and an unmatched wit about him. He was a fair man that loved his country, state, county, and city, but he especially loved our youth and his family. Jerry was a true Hazen Hornet who will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. Visitation will be 10 a.m. Thursday, October 20, 2022, followed by services at 11 a.m. all at the Calvary Baptist Church in Hazen, Ark., followed by burial in the Hazen Cemetery.