Gregg Lee Carter

Gregg Lee Carter died peacefully on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in Providence, RI, with the love of his life by his side.

Gregg was born on July 15, 1951, in Missoula, MT, to Harley Willis Carter and Betty Jo Bell Carter. He earned his B.A. from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, the same city where he spent most of his childhood. Gregg went on to earn his M.A. and Ph.D. in sociology from Columbia University in New York, NY. After moving to the greater Rhode Island area, he became a professor of sociology at Bryant College (University) in Smithfield. In a career that lasted almost a half century, Gregg taught thousands of students, held numerous academic roles, received a multitude of awards, wrote/edited over 25 books, and was often interviewed by national and international press for his expertise on contemporary social issues. Outside of the classroom, Gregg was a lifelong learner and teacher who loved to share his passions. He relentlessly championed the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and became an avid scuba diver, earning a Master Scuba Diver certification.

Yet everything in Gregg's life came second to his family. Gregg met his soulmate, Lisa, at Mathewson Street United Methodist Church. They made it a mission to practice and preach a core tenet of that congregation: "love thy neighbor." Together, Gregg and Lisa advocated for social reform and change, including ending the homelessness pandemic in Rhode Island. Outside of church, they enjoyed tending to a bountiful backyard garden, walking the trails of New England, and cheering on their favorite sports teams. As with Lisa, Gregg was limitlessly dedicated to his four children and four grandchildren. For over 40 years he shared with them life's joys – birthdays, holidays, vacations, graduations, weddings, anniversaries, and (quite literally) countless trips to the movies. It was through the wealth of these experiences that Gregg shared and modeled lessons that will live long after his death – those of acceptance, optimism, vitality, unconditional love and the power of forgiveness.

Gregg is survived by his wife, Lisa Harrington Carter of N. Smithfield, RI; son Travis Carter and wife Eileen of Hebron, CT; son Kurtis Carter of N. Smithfield, RI; daughter Alexis Behr and husband Chris of St. Louis, MO; son Davis Carter of N. Smithfield, RI; granddaughters Olivia, Sienna, Violet and Daisy; sister Darla Trimble and husband Bill of Marana, AZ; loving nieces and nephews, and their children. Gregg was preceded in death by his father and mother.

A public reception and visiting hours will be held on Friday, June 27, 2025, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Bryant University Machtley Interfaith Center, 1150 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, RI, 02917. A memorial service and reception will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 28, at Mathewson Street United Methodist Church, 134 Mathewson St., Providence, RI, 02903. Please allocate time to find parking in downtown Providence. The Zoom Link for the memorial service is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82923470006 (Copy the link and add to your browser)

Graveside burial service will take place at 1:00 pm on Saturday, June 28, at Swan Point Cemetery, 585 Blackstone Blvd, Providence, RI 02906. All events will be casual attire; please dress for comfort in hot weather. Funeral arrangements are by Olson & Parent Funeral Home; expressions of sympathy may be left at olsonparent.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mathewson Street United Methodist Church, or to a charity of one's choosing that serves the life and legacy of Gregg.