Phillip Ray "Phil" Carter

Phillip "Phil" Carter, of Paragould, passed away on the 9th of December, 2025, at the age of 75. Born on August 31, 1950, Phil was a man deeply rooted in the values of hard work, faith, and the love of the great outdoors. He was a member of the 5th and Pine Church of Christ in Rector for many years and graduated from Crowley's Ridge Academy in 1968.

Phil dedicated 28 years of his life to Martin Sprocket and Gear, where his colleagues knew him as a diligent and trustworthy team member who always went the extra mile.

Outside of work, Phil was an avid outdoorsman. His passions introduced him to cattle ranching. Phil found solace in the tranquility of fishing, the thrill of the hunt, and the camaraderie of sporting events. Baseball, basketball, and golf were not only personal pastimes but also ways he connected with friends and loved ones.

Phil is preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Hazel Carter; sisters, Almeria Gonser, Dorothy Campbell, and JoAnn Rogers; and granddaughter, Chandler Mathes.

Phil is survived by his loving wife of 41 and a half years, Linda Carter; daughters, Amy Hitt of Flagstaff, AZ, Summer Winstead (Jason) of Poughkeepsie, AR, Torre Austin (Terry) of Paragould, AR, and Jordan Mathes (Neil) of Jonesboro, AR; brother, Timothy Carter (Marilyn); sister, Shirley Lamb; grandchildren, Gracie Sharp, Sunney Winstead, Abbigail Winstead, Carter Mathes, Cash Mathes, Bennett Austin, Simon Austin, Hayden Austin, Caroline Austin; and great-grandchildren, Jovie Newsom, Miley Pruitt, and Hazeleigh Crabtree.

The family will receive friends at Phillips Funeral Home on Friday, December 12, at 11:00 a.m for visitation until service time. Service will begin at 1:00 p.m with Terry Austin and Tim Carter officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Knot Cemetery.

Lasting memorials may be made to Crowley's Ridge Academy or the Children's Home.