Russell Edmonds Carter, Sr.

Russell Edmonds Carter, Sr. was born on February 12, 1933, in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. He entered eternal rest on February 6, 2021, in Richardson, Texas. He was the second of three children born to the union of Ambrose Carter and Lillian Edmonds Carter who preceded him in death.

Russell attended the public schools of Montgomery County and graduated from Lower Merion High School in 1951. He was an exemplary student athlete. A standout football player and track star, he was captain of the track team his senior year. In 2007, he was inducted into the high school’s Football Hall of Fame; in 2018, he was inducted into the Track Hall of Fame. After graduation, he was offered a scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh but decided to enlist in the United States Navy in which he served during the Korean War. After Navy Boot Camp, he went on to serve with the United States Marine Corps as a Corpsman for the rest of his 4-year enlistment. He was employed by American Food Service for 20 years and retired in 1994.

Russell confessed Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age at Calvary Baptist Church in Ardmore. He attended Bethel AME in Ardmore after the death of his mother. Russell was a proud member of Leon Spencer Reid Post #547 for 35 years and was the commander for 20 years. Among many hobbies, Russell enjoyed playing cards and tennis, and he was an avid reader. This allowed him to engage with a large cross section of people with his quick wit, infectious laughter, and concern for others. His personality was on display during the years of service to Leon Spencer Reid Post #547 where he was loyally committed.

Russell transitioned from this earthly life to his eternal home after left hip replacement from a fall and stage 4 dementia. He was 87 years old. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Thelma Carter and Alice Carter. Russell married Maureen Wilson in July of 1960, and the two had four children together. Russell never remarried after their divorce. He leaves to cherish precious memories: his children - Russell Carter, Jr. (Sherri) of Frisco, TX, Elaine Logan (Herb) of Garland, TX, John Carter of Dallas, TX, and Traci Ferguson (Jay) of Los Angeles, CA; nephew, David Wilder; goddaughter, Rhonda Ellis; 18 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Lower Merion Township Scholarship Fund in Russell E. Carter, Sr. honor.