Eulin Carter Jr.

Eulin Carter Jr., beloved father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026, at the age of 79, surrounded by his family after a brief illness.

Born on November 8, 1946, in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Eulin was the son of the late Eulin and Nova (Massey) Carter. He graduated from Western Kentucky University with a bachelor's degree and proudly served his country in the United States Army. He later dedicated 20 years to the Bowling Green Police Department as a police detective, where he became a well-known and highly respected member of the community.

Eulin will be remembered for his quick wit, sense of humor, honesty, trustworthiness, and unwavering loyalty. He was someone you could always depend on. He loved reading, playing blackjack in Las Vegas, cheering on the Hilltoppers, and watching the Kentucky Derby. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family. He deeply loved his children, grandchildren, and siblings. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Ann Lightfoot, and two nephews, Chris Talley and Jimmy King.

Raised alongside four siblings in a tiny two-bedroom home, Eulin grew up with very little money but an abundance of love. He often said they never knew they were poor - because they had each other, strong family traditions, and love. That foundation shaped the man he became, and he carried those values forward, passing the same sense of stability, devotion, and family to his children and grandchildren.

Eulin was a man of absolute integrity. He could not - and would not - tell a lie. Doing the right thing mattered to him, even when no one was watching. At a ball game, he would sit exactly where his ticket placed him, even if better seats were open. Rules mattered. Honesty mattered. Character mattered. He believed deeply in doing what was right, and he instilled those same values in his children.

Steadfast, responsible, loving, and dependable, he was always there when needed. He never raised his voice. He was calm, steady, and firm when necessary, but never harsh. He never gave up on his children or grandchildren. Through every season of life, he remained constant, supportive, and present.

Eulin adored his grandchildren and took great pride in being part of their lives. His love for family extended in every direction. He loved his mother profoundly and cared deeply for his siblings, working hard to keep everyone connected. He organized birthday visits and family gatherings, bringing his brothers and sisters together at his home. The swimming pool, pool table, and pinball machine were more than entertainment - they were his way of giving back, offering his siblings the joy and togetherness they didn't always have growing up.

He was known for his wisdom - and for his sayings: "You can't soar with the eagles if you hoot with the owls." "Now you're cooking with gas." There were countless others. He loved sharing them, and he often sent perfectly timed texts with encouragement, motivation, or reassurance. Those messages were never random; they were his way of being present even when he wasn't physically there.

A proud graduate of Western Kentucky University with a degree in recreation, Eulin originally dreamed of becoming a gym teacher. Encouraged by Basil Griffin to consider law enforcement, he chose a path that allowed him to help people in meaningful ways. As a juvenile detective, he supported countless young people and families through some of their most difficult moments. Among his many responsibilities, he oversaw the first shaken baby syndrome case in Warren County, approaching that work with seriousness, compassion, and care.

Those who knew him often used the same word to describe him: respect. He earned it quietly and consistently. People spoke of him simply as a good man.

Eulin loved life. He loved sports - WKU basketball, UK basketball, and even kept up with Louisville from time to time. He coached basketball for many years, including his child's teams, and those seasons meant more to him than any win or loss. He loved vacations and especially loved the ocean. One of his favorite memories was driving his sky-blue 1977 Firebird along the beach in Daytona - a moment of freedom and joy he never forgot.

He loved music of all kinds, especially country and gospel. He loved Elvis, and his favorite country singer was Merle Haggard. He also enjoyed rock and roll, and one song that stayed close to him was "Dock of the Bay" by Otis Redding - music that matched his calm, reflective spirit.

Eulin enjoyed horse racing and blackjack - and he was very good at both. He loved comedy, laughter, and had a wonderful, unmistakable laugh. He had a great sense of humor, an easy presence, and was, without question, a good-looking man - inside and out.

He loved people. He loved characters. Social standing meant nothing to him. He saw people for who they truly were. If you were funny, genuine, real, or a little different, he gravitated toward you. He appreciated big personalities, big hearts, and authenticity.

Eulin only ever truly loved one woman in his life. Some said he was "too nice," but in truth, he simply chose to see the good in people - even when there was bad. He gave chance after chance, believing in people long after others had given up.

He also found joy in simple things: cornbread with buttermilk, mashed potatoes, sauerkraut and wieners, lemon meringue pie, and ice cream. He loved a Coca-Cola when he could drink it, and especially an RC Cola out of a glass bottle - small comforts that brought him happiness.

Eulin is survived by his children, Tammy Ferguson (Steven) of Delaware, Ohio, and Russell Carter (Jessica) of Bowling Green; grandchildren, Ian Ferguson (Marissa), Alec Ferguson, Colin Ferguson (future wife Athena), Aidan Ferguson, and River Carter (Allison); siblings, Patricia Talley (Ken), Luvenia Wilson, and Tommy Carter (Sue); and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at the J.C. Kirby & Son Broadway Chapel, with visitation from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday and again after 10 a.m. on Thursday. Burial will follow in Bowling Green Gardens.