Search by Name

Rex Carter

1925 - 2014

Rex Carter obituary, 1925-2014, Greenville, SC

FUNERAL HOME

Thomas McAfee Funeral Home - Downtown Chapel

639 North Main Street

Greenville, South Carolina

Rex Carter Obituary

Rex Lyle Carter

Greenville

Former South Carolina House Speaker Rex Lyle Carter, 88, died on June 9, 2014 at his residence, the family announced today.

A native of Honea Path in Anderson County and long-time resident of Greenville, he was a son of the late Daniel Brooks Carter and Eunice Young Carter Forrester.

Mr. Carter was a Greenville attorney and served in the South Carolina General Assembly from Greenville County from 1953 to 1980. A life-long Democrat, Carter was elected Speaker Pro Tem in 1957 and, in 1973, elected Speaker of the House, succeeding Speaker Solomon Blatt from Barnwell County who had held the post for 44 years.

Former Governor Dick Riley, the state's first two-term governor who served from 1979-1987 said, "Rex Carter was a wonderful friend to me when I was first elected to the House of Representatives. He was a mentor to me and many others. He had ten years seniority on me in the General assembly, but he gave me good advice freely, helped me learn the ropes and become an effective legislator."

"When I was elected Governor in 1978, Rex had been Speaker of the House for five years, and he was a major supporter of my Administration. In fact, Rex often served as floor leaders on my legislative initiatives as Governor. We shared the same solid support for public education and economic development and I will always remember him for his encouragement and solid friendship, both personal and political. Our families were so close through the years, and I am so saddened by his passing. We have lost a giant," Riley said.

Carter was succeeded in the House of Representatives by David Wilkins, a Republican, upon his retirement from public life in 1980. Wilkins later became a Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives until he accepted a presidential appointment to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Canada. "When Rex retired from the House in 1980, I was privileged to be elected to my first term from the same House District Rex had represented after the body was reapportioned into single-member districts. To me and everyone who served with him from either political party, Rex was a real gentleman, very kind and considerate of others. He was a consensus builder and had a wonderful personality that suited him well in both his governmental service and his successful law practice. Rex Carter was a legislative leader who brought grace and charm to public service and that is why, to a large degree, he was so well respected by his colleagues in both parties," Wilkins said.

"When the legislative history of South Carolina is done, the name of Rex L. Carter will be writ large as an humble man whose deep understanding of South Carolina's people and their potential drove the late 20th century beginning of governmental modernization in South Carolina. Rex was a member of the greatest generation--World War II veterans, battle tested leaders, who came back to their hometowns and embraced lives devoted to changing America and its institutions to serve and better the lives of all people. Rex was a man of old fashioned manners but a decidedly progressive approach to problem solving. As South Carolina's Speaker of the House at a defining moment in its history when the advent of single member districts broadly increased diversity in its racial, gender, religious and political composition, he had the respect and admiration of all members. His genuine sense of fairness and insistence that all points of view be heard was the foundation of a decade of legislative firsts. Judicial Reform, Home Rule, Public Utility Reform, Public Finance Reform, the first Ethics Bill, the first Coastal Zone Management Act and two ground breaking Education Reform Acts are just a few of the cascade of changes in state government which were enacted under Rex Carter's watch. Slight in stature but towering in leadership, a mighty oak has fallen," said Jean Hoefer Toal, Chief Justice of South Carolina Supreme Court.

Carter was a 1943 graduate of Parker High School where he served as student body president. He was a 1950 graduate of Erskine College where he earned a B.A. degree. He immediately entered the University of South Carolina and completed his Juris Doctorate degree in 1952, also serving as student body president. He started the law firm of Carter, Smith, Merriam & Traxler, P.A. that same year and continued as a senior partner in the firm until his death.

"Rex was my lifelong buddy, and I have had a lot of buddies, as everyone knows, but none were as close to me as Rex Carter," said former Lieutenant Governor and legislator Nick Theodore. "We made the long drives to Columbia together while we were both serving in the General Assembly and spent countless hours together working on issues in Columbia and in Greenville we both cared deeply about. He made a great Speaker because he had such a shining temperament and infinite patience with people. I admired him, too, for the total devotion he gave to his wife, Floride, his children, and grandchildren. Rex lived a balanced, happy life. We should all be as lucky. I loved him as a brother and Emily and our whole family are heartbroken.

Carter's top aide Bud Ferillo credited Carter with "a large measure of the legislative reforms of that era. Under Speaker Carter, the House developed its first professional research staff, initiated regular orientation sessions for new members, which are now mandated by the state constitution. He was a major supporter of the construction of the first legislative office buildings in the Capitol Complex, and he brought computerized information into the State House so the public and news media could track the progress of legislation. He was truly a transitional figure in the state's legislative history, taking it from the horse and buggy days into the era of technology and professionalism," Ferillo said. "He was entirely in step with the reform movements of state legislatures that were sweeping the country in the 1970s. He brought South Carolina into the modern era."

Carter received an Honorary Doctor of Law from the University of South Carolina in 1980 and others from The Citadel in 1977 and Erskine College in 1974. He was presented the Erskine College Algernon Sidney Sullivan Award in 2006. He was a recipient of the Order of the Palmetto from then Governor, Dick Riley.

Mauldin Road was renamed Rex L. Carter Boulevard after his retirement from the legislature.

Carter was a World War II veteran, serving in the U.S. Coast Guard in both the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters from 1943 to 1946.

He was a member of Augusta Road Baptist Church for 57 years, where he served as Sunday School teacher and deacon for many years.

Surviving are his wife, Floride Gulledge Carter, originally from Wedgefield, in Sumter County, whom he met when she was a senior at Converse College and married six months later; three children, Lucy Ault (Gary) and Kim Johnson (Hank); and a son, Rex L. Carter, Jr. (Ginger); five grandchildren, Carter Massingill, Jessica Johnson, Hayes Johnson, Rex Carter III, and Wells Carter; a brother, Paul D. Carter; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Katrina Floride in 1957; and his brothers, Malcolm Carter, Milford Carter, and twin brother, Ray Carter.

Visitation will be at the residence on Wednesday, June 11, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held Thursday, June 12, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Augusta Road Baptist Church. The committal will be private.

Memorials may be made to Augusta Road Baptist Church, 1823 Augusta Road, Greenville, SC 29605.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.thomasmcafee.com.

Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Downtown.

Published by The Greenville News on Jun. 10, 2014.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Rex Carter

Not sure what to say?





Can't believe how much I miss you Daddy. So much has happened that I would love to share. I have a grandson that has the best disposition. You would love him. Real Estate is interesting and has been good to me. I have to think you are somehow involved. I know how blessed I was to have such great parents.

Kim Johnson

Family

June 4, 2022

He will be missed by many for decades

June 16, 2014

I am so sorry for loss. I knew Rex through my sister Mary Southerlin. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
"Cookie" Walker

Cookie Walker

June 11, 2014

Rex was a friend, gentleman,, and a peacemaker. I have known him for 80 years, grew up with he and his four brothers as neighbors. Rex will be greatly missed. Brenda and I will be praying for the family. We love you Rex. Horace and Brenda Wilson Greensboro,NC

Horace Wilson

June 10, 2014

My condolence to the family. You have my deepest sympathy. May you be strengthen and encouraged in the words of Phil. 4:6,7 as you draw close to God in prayer.(James 4:8)

June 10, 2014

I think back on the wonderful times I had with the whole family.Greenville,Pawleys,Myrtle Beach,Columbia and Sumter,each bringing back their individual memory for keepsake in my Heart.
How Grateful I am to have had Uncle Rex in my life and as I read his obituary and read the comments and words of respect given by his family, friends and colleagues,I know that I have truly been blessed. We have all been blessed and will miss him tremendously.
In closing some of my favorite sentiments that have been written about Uncle Rex,"Such a Shining temperament...Infinite Patience...A True Southern Gentlemen...a True Love Story...
Rest in Peace,Uncle Rex and thank you for being the Gentlemen you were.

Holley Gulledge Rogers

June 10, 2014

Lucy, Kim, and Paul I am so sorry for your loss. Your father gave me my first job in college. I was one of his pages. I loved working for him! He had a great personality and I learned a great deal from him. He told me that he used to date my mother.... way back before WWII ... Your Daddy was a great man. Hope you will always treasure the wonderful memories he created for you. Love to your mother and friends. All of you are in my prayers.

Elaine Robinson Copenhaver

June 10, 2014

I was a page when Rex was Speaker ! A very fine Gentleman!!!

Steve Jordan

June 10, 2014

Mr. Carter was a true southern gentleman and served his state well. He will be missed by so many. My prayers are with his family at this time.

Rosanne Thornhill Nikkel

June 10, 2014

Flouride,
Steve and I have missed you and Rex at Pawleys! You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. With much Love,
Vivien Batson

June 10, 2014

The Carter Family,
It is a great loss to lose Mr. Carter as helped so many people in his life. I
will have you all in my Prayers and RIP
Mr. Rex Carter,
Larry Reeves
Fort Worth, Texas

June 10, 2014

My prayers are with the family! Love you Kim!

Amy Quinn

June 10, 2014

The Rex Carter Family,
I was saddened to hear of Speaker Carter's passing.I met him thru Mike Daniel when I was a SLED Agent in the 1970s&1980s and became friends with him.He was a real gentleman who served both his country and state both graciously and honorably.He will be missed by many.My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Robert Greer(St. Johns,Fla.)

June 10, 2014

Rex was a good friend of my Daddy, Clifford Bridwell. I remember going with Daddy to Rex's office where he always gave him sound advise. He was a soft spoken caring person. My sincere sympathy to the family, I know he will be missed by all who knew him.

Rita Bridwell Strange (Spartanburg, SC)

Rita Bridwell Strange

June 10, 2014

forgot to leave my name on previous entry, TIM JOHNSON

June 10, 2014

had the privilege of serving as a deacon with Rex....and being a part of the body of Christ with him at Augusta Rd Baptist....knowing not the public figure, but rather the dedicated Christian brother.....we....have the passing of the peace...a time of mutual handshake, spiritual affirmation each Sunday morning....where I most often sit is close to where he and Floride would be..shall miss his affirming handshake....the smile and twinkling eyes....even in the later times he was able to be there....
take your deserved rest, Brother Rex, you shall be missed...but there shall be reunion...

June 10, 2014

A true South Carolina Statesman and friend. I am forever grateful for his
guideance and friendship.

Vida Miller

June 10, 2014

If we could only get honorable people like Rex Carter back to leading South Carolina again...R.I.P. to a lifelong role model. P.H.S. Class of 1968.

Eddie Gregory

June 10, 2014

Rex, was a soft-spoken man, but provided great leadership and direction for the State of South Carolina. South Carolina is a better State for his contributions. Our State has lost a giant. It was an honor to have an Uncle who accomplished so much from such humble beginnings and never forgot his roots. Floride, Lucy, Kim and Rex please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. With sincere sympathy, Brooks Carter

Brooks Carter

June 9, 2014

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results

Make a Donation
in Rex Carter's name

Memorial Events
for Rex Carter

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Thomas McAfee Funeral Home - Downtown Chapel

639 North Main Street, Greenville, SC 29601

How to support Rex's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Rex Carter's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more