Charles L. Carter

Charles L Carter, son of Mr. Nelson Herndon and Mrs. Minnie McMurray, was born on September 22, 1948, in LaGrange, Georgia. Charles attended Troup County Public Schools in LaGrange, Georgia until he and his brother, Willie C, migrated to Newark, New Jersey in the early 1960's to reunite with their mother, Minnie, who had secured better social and economic opportunities for her family. Eager to learn a trade, Charles attended and graduated from Newark Technical High School, (Newark, New Jersey). At the age of twenty, he began his thirty-five-year tenure at the Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant in Edison, New Jersey until he retired from the company in 2004.
Charles enjoyed all sports. In the late 1970's he volunteered as a Little League Coach and Manager in Newark's West Ward, winning the championship during his son's final year in the league. He eagerly anticipated each new NBA season and was a loyal Los Angeles Lakers Superfan. During his early retirement years, Charles traveled throughout the United States to attend NFL Super Bowls.
Charles was also an active member of several community and social organizations. Many friends referred to him as "The Mayor" because of his far-reaching relationships and connections with local politicians, law enforcement professionals, business owners, and union/community leaders throughout Essex and Union counties. When not hanging out with friends and co-workers, Charles could be found any given Friday after work driving to the local fish market to purchase all the necessary items for his weekly Friday Fish Fry, which included classic R & B and Blues tunes from the 1960's and 1970's and an ice-cold beer. He most definitely lived a full life and did things his way!
Charles transitioned peacefully from this earthly life to eternity on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.
Charles is preceded in death by his mother, Minne McMurray and his brother, Willie Godwin, and his son, Waine Boyd. He leaves to cherish his memory: his daughter, Theresa Carter-Counts (CT); his son, Charles Carter Jr. (NJ); his granddaughter, Tyah Carter (TN); three great-grandchildren, three aunts, one uncle, and a host of loving relatives and friends.