Ronald Carter

Ronald Carter, 89, of Lake Park, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, after a brief period of declining health. He was born on January 10, 1936, in Valdosta, to the late Darvin L. and Urrie Copeland Carter.

He worked for more than 35 years in the propane gas business with Strong Petroleum, Akins Petroleum Company and Blossman Gas Company. In addition to his work, he also farmed for many years, raising livestock and growing corn, soybeans and tobacco. In 2024, he was honored with the Centennial Family Farm Award during the Georgia National Fair.

Ronald dedicated his life to many organizations and enjoyed volunteering to help others. He traveled with his children to numerous livestock shows and to 4-H and FFA events. He was also proud to see his grandchildren show livestock. Known in the family as the champion Checkers and Spoons player, he also loved enjoying a strawberry Blizzard on those hot summer days in South Georgia.

A charter member of the Lake Park Church of Christ, Ronald served as an elder, song leader, Bible class teacher and volunteer with the Lads to Leaders program. He also participated in a mission trip to Honduras. Ronald graduated from Georgia Christian School in Dasher.

In 1960, after a barn fire, he decided to join the Twin Lakes Volunteer Fire Department, where he served for 40 years in various positions, including chief, assistant chief, chairman of the board of directors, training officer and trustee.

Ronald was a charter member of the Lowndes County Young Farmers where he served as treasurer and assisted with numerous fundraisers. He served as the state chaplain for the Georgia Young Farmers Association in 2008. He was a lifetime member of the Lowndes County FFA Alumni and received the Honorary FFA Degree in 1993. Ronald also served as chairman of the Lowndes County Ag Advisory Committee and was a long-time member of the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association and Georgia Farm Bureau.

Later in life, he dedicated his time to serving the city of Lake Park, as a council member, Mayor Pro Tem and Mayor. After 18 years of service to Lake Park, he retired in 2022. He also volunteered with the Lake Park Historical Society, serving as vice president and executive board member.

Ronald is survived by his wife, Dorothy Cox Carter; children, Andy Carter of Lake Park; Joy Crosby (Charles) of Tifton; Curtis Cox of Lake Park; Lisa Cox of Plant City, Florida; and four grandchildren, Hannah Cox, Ava Garrett, Eli Crosby, and Lauren Crosby. He is also survived by a sister, Myra (Jim) Kemper of Meridian, Idaho; a sister-in-law, Jean Carter of Lake Park; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his spouse of 36 years, Faye Herring Carter; brother, Larry Carter; sister, Blanche Thornton Smith; and stepson, Carl Cox.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Lake Park Church of Christ, with Mr. James Colwell, Mr. Terry Carter, and Mr. Derek Herring officiating. Burial will follow in Dasher Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, at Carson McLane Funeral Home in Valdosta. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lake Park Church of Christ, Building Fund, P.O. Box 593, Lake Park, Georgia 31636.