Dr. Richard M. Carter

Dr. Richard M. Carter, age 94, of 115 Hampton Road, Idlewood, Greenwood, S. C., husband of Nancy Steele Carter entered into the eternal presence and peace of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Feb.28, 2025.

Richard was born in Bath, S. C., the oldest son of Joseph Gaffney and Hazel Jones Carter. He is predeceased by his parents, three brothers and one sister. He is survived by one brother, Travis E. Carter and family of Metairie, La.

A graduate of Langley, Bath, Clearwater (LBC)high school In Aiken County, he was valedictorian of his class. He reached the rank of Eagle Scout and Order of the Arrow during his high school years. This was also the time when he began his musical career playing his trumpet in dance bands in and around Augusta, Ga. and the State of S. C. His music continued into college where he participated in the Jungaleers and Blue Notes bands at Clemson.

Richard graduated from Junior College of Augusta and Clemson University (with honors). He was a member of Phi Cappa Phi. Later he attended The Medical University of S. C. He graduated with honors and was a member of Alpha Omega Alpha, an honorary medical fraternity.

After graduation from MUSC he had a rotating internship at The Medical College of Va.

Richard and Nancy were married after his internship was completed and he entered the U. S. Navy in which he served as medical officer at the Mine Craft Base in Charleston for two years.

Not completely finished with his education (which he Loved), he was a resident in the surgical program at the Medical College of Ga. for one year and then completed his residency time as the first resident in the Otolaryngology (ENT) department at the Medical University of S. C.

All of this served him well as he entered the private practice of Otolaryngology in Greenwood, S. C. where he practiced at Self Memorial Hospital for 38 years, also Brewer Hospital, and established Greenwood ENT. During these years, he at one time served as chief of surgery and as president of the medical staff at another time.

Richard's main interests in life were his faith, family, medicine, and music.

An active member of South Main Baptist Church in Greenwood, he taught a men's Sunday school class for over 50 years. Ordained as deacon at Isle of Palms Baptist church, he also served many years in this position at South Main. He was recognized as Life Deacon in January 2020. He played trumpet in the church orchestra on Sunday mornings. He combined his faith and his love of medicine to participate in approximately 20 mission trips over the years. He worked in this capacity with Volunteers in Medical Missions. He was a strong supporter of Connie Maxwell Children's Home where he was a former member and past chairman of the board of trustees.

Richard's passion for knowledge and learning new things and his desire to stay at the top of his game fueled his activity as a member and participant in numerous medical professional organizations. Included in these are AMA, American College of Surgeons, American Academy of Otolaryngology, American Rhinologic Society, American Society of Otolaryngology and Opthalmology Allergy. He was a member and Past President of the S. C. Otolaryngology Society. As an active member of the Medical Society of S. C. and The Greenwood Medical Society, he served as Third District Trustee of SCMA 1985- 1991. He also served as a delegate to SCMA annual meetings.

A memorable activity in which he participated was an educational and instructive trip with the Rhinologic Society to Leiden, Holland and Zagreb, Yugoslavia.

A member of the Greenwood Lions Club, he found satisfaction in the community service of the group. He was past president and recipient of the Franklin B Mason award. In 2023, he was named to the Lions Club Hall of Fame.

Richard's main hobby was birdwatching. It started in the backyard and grew into a number of exciting venues both in the U.S. and abroad. He enjoyed traveling in pursuit of this hobby which allowed him along with medical and pleasure trips to visit all seven continents and several of the large island nations and some smaller island chains. He also enjoyed his vegetable garden and at times, the company of a good book, particularly his bible.

Surviving in addition to Nancy are four children: Dr. Joseph Carter (Mary) of Rome, Ga., Catherine Webb, Edward Carter, and Michael Carter, all of Greenwood. Grandchildren are John Gilhooly (Ginger) of Cedarville, OH., Molly Webb of Greenwood, Erin Carter James (Ben) of Atlanta, Ga., Will Carter of Palm Coast, Fl., Mary Kate Carter of Washington, D.C., Amber Carter and Alex Carter both of Greenwood. Great grandchildren: Caleb, Carson, and Ellie Gilhooly, Ford and Savannah James, and Enzo Marsh.

In addition, extended family who lived in the home for part of their youth: Sheila Jones Shealy (Thomas), Chris Jones (now deceased), both of Saluda who bring additional grandchildren in Paul Shealy (Heather), Christi Pickens (Brad), Bubba Shealy (Holly), and Katie Rowe (Brandon), Morgan Jones, and Mayson Donlon, and an additional 15 great grandchildren!

Richard's family were most important to him. He cared for and supported them in their lives. He was noted for his quick wit and happy laugh.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1 PM Tuesday at South Main Baptist Church with Dr. Toby Frost officiating.

Burial will follow at Oakbrook Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Alex Carter, Edward Carter, JR Gilhooly, Ben James, Bubba Shealy, Robert Carter, and Travis Carter.

Honorary escorts will be Adult 4 Men's Sunday School Class and the Lion's Club Members.

The family is at the home and will receive friends at Blyth Funeral Home from 5-7 Monday evening.

Memorials may be made to South Main Baptist Church, 1000 S. Main Street Greenwood, SC 29649, or to Connie Maxwell, PO Box 1178 Greenwood, SC 29648.

Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Carter family with arrangements.