Roddy M. Carter

  Roddy Max Carter, 89, passed into eternity on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Rod was born March 23, 1936, to Jesse and Grace Carter, at Valley Creek, a small settlement in Southern Taylor County. He was born in a small frame house provided for the school teacher in the area. This “teacherage” was his home for three years.

  His family consisted of parents, Jesse and Grace; brother, Jerry; and sisters, Gaylia and Janis. They moved to Morton Valley, Texas in 1939, where his father bought a small farm. Both parents taught in the Morton Valley School. During the dark days of World War II, the school closed for a few weeks so students could help with the peanut harvest.

  The earliest memories of Rod’s Christian Walk revolved around Harmony Baptist Church in Morton Valley. He accepted Christ there at age nine and was baptized in a stock pond along with several of his friends who were also saved during the summer revival.

  The family moved to Ranger, Texas in 1949 where his mother continued her teaching career. His father became the State Farm Insurance agent in Ranger. Rod graduated from Ranger High School followed by college at Southwest Texas State. Other education included the NCO Academy at Fort Hood. He served eight years in the Texas National Guard. When the 49th division was activated in 1961 he served a year of active duty in Fort Polk, Louisiana.

  Rod married Deanne Hazard in 1958, the love of his life, and they were married for 66 wonderful years. Over the next seven years Rod and Deanne were blessed with Kellye, Kathy, and Karla, the joy of their lives, and then seven grandchildren came along. They are also blessed with three wonderful sons-in-law: Chuck Stark, Ron Clegg, and McAllen Coalson. The Carters moved to Weatherford in 1973 and joined First Baptist Church where two of their daughters were baptized, and where all three were married. Rod and Deanne worked many years with the church youth and Young Married Adults. Rod also served as a deacon at First Baptist.

  During his career Rod worked for Lone Star Gas, Ranger ISD, and 30 years for the United States Department of Agriculture. After retiring from USDA in 1996, he worked as a substitute teacher for Weatherford ISD, a job he truly enjoyed.

  Rod is survived by wife, Deanne, the love of his life for 66 years; his three daughters, Kellye Carter Stark (Chuck) of Southlake, Kathy Carter Clegg (Ron) of Southlake, and Karla Carter Coalson (McAllen) of Garner; grandchildren, Jessica Stark Branch (Michael), Carter Stark (Wendi), Colby Coalson, Weston Clegg (Meagan), Ashton Coalson Hutte (Andrew), Brett Clegg Mulherin (Maxwell), and Raleigh Coalson (fiancé, Maitlan); and 11 great grandchildren with number 12 coming in August; three adoptive sons, Ben Bartlett of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Tommy Christiansen of Grimstad, Norway, and Frankie Price of Weatherford, Texas; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

  Welcoming Rod into the heavenly kingdom are his parents; brother, Jerry; and many other friends and family.

  A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 18th, at the First Baptist Church of Weatherford, 222 West Church Street, Weatherford, Texas 76086. Family visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m., prior to the service.

  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to First Baptist Church or First Priority Global.