Raymond E. Carter

Raymond E. Carter passed away on March 5, 2026.

He was born in Erie, PA on September 10, 1952, a son of the late Truman and Nancy L. (Simmons) Carter.

Ray dedicated 38 years of service to General Electric (GE) before retiring.

Following his graduation from Wattsburg High School in the Class of 1971, Ray became the first African American from the county to play in the Save-N-Eye game. After High School, Ray proudly served in the United States Marine Corps.

He pursued his dream of playing professional football and tried out for the Cleveland Browns as a DE / OLB. Although he did not make the team, he remained a loyal and enthusiastic Browns fan for the rest of his life.

Ray had a passion for riding motorcycles, playing sports, and dominoes (bones) with family and friends. He also enjoyed taking road trips with his family and friends.

He was inducted into the Wattsburg Hall of Fame in 2018. Ray and his brother Tony were known as the "Carter's Crunch" on the football field. He also played semi-pro football for the Erie Panthers and the Erie Express.

Ray cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren, often taking them for rides on his motorcycle.

He was also known as "Coach Carter" throughout the City of Erie from coaching Bay City to semi-pro expansion football team the Erie Hawks and right into wrestling at the Booker T. Washington Center and East High School. He later teamed up with Roman Boykin at Academy High School and Central High School. He referred to all of his athletes as "Knuckleheads."

Ray was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a provider who made sure his family was always cared for.

Known for his friendly nature, Ray never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Ray is survived by his wife of almost 48 years, Georgiann (Ann) Carter; daughter, Felicia Hampton-Carter; son, Xavien Carter, Sr. (Tina); five grandchildren: Jameele, Tatonya, Jusalee, Koran, Tremayne, Shadera, Serenity, Xamere, Xaya, and Xavien (XJ) Jr.; and nine great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his brothers and sisters: Benny Simmons, Nayman Warner, Tony Carter (Barbara), Danny Carter (Eileen), Patricia Carter, Helen Carter-Snell, and Mae Carter-Pickens (Ike); sister-in-law Pat Bennett (Jerry, known as "Big Brother"); Patricia Butts and Stacey Goodwin; and a host of nieces and nephews. His best friend was John (Roadie) Reitz.

In addition to his parents, Raymond was preceded in death by his brother Larry Carter and brothers-in-law Albert Hampton (Sip) and Raymond Snell.

Friends are invited to First Good Samaritan Church 3209 Pennsylvania Ave. Erie, PA 16504 on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, from 11am until the time of the Funeral Service at 12pm. Send condolences to www.dusckasfuneralhomes.com. The Dusckas Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc. is handling the services.