Name: Visitation for Gregory Wayne Carter
Start: 2021-11-11T23:00:00.000Z
End: 2021-11-12T01:00:00.000Z
Location: Oakey’s South Chapel

Gregory Wayne Carter

December 9, 1981 - November 6, 2021

Gregory W. Carter, 39, of Roanoke, Va., went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, November 6, 2021.

Gregory was an active member of the Down Syndrome and special needs communities in the Roanoke Valley. He attended Hidden Valley Junior High and Cave Spring High School, where he received his special curriculum diploma in 2004, and benefited from his compassionate and selfless educators. Gregory bowled in a Special Olympics league, participated in many Therapeutic Recreation programs with Roanoke County's Parks Rec and Tourism, including 17 summers with ACE (Activities Created for Enrichment). His many years of attending annual Halloween and Valentine's Day dinner/dances and leisure swimming programs brought him joy. Periodic trips to the Mill Mountain Star, as well as holiday and birthday celebrations with family and friends were the highlights of his year. Gregory enjoyed serving others in a variety of capacities, including assisting with Meals on Wheels deliveries and community outreach.

Gregory is survived by his mother, Susan McCoy Carter; father, Gene Wayne Carter (Linda); sisters, Meredith McCoy Carter and Lynn Carter; and his McCoy and Carter extended family.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Fleshman McCoy Sr. and Mr. and Mrs. Maxie Herbert Carter; and Edith Cheek Kenley, his special surrogate "Gram."

The family wishes to thank Steve and Carolyn Rakes, Todd and Mary Hardin, and their families. Heartfelt gratitude is also extended to A Shining Light, Inc. where Gregory participated in their community enrichment program and residential living at the time of his passing. The love and guidance of their staff enriched Gregory's last two years of life and comforted and guided the family during this recent difficult time.

A Celebration of Gregory's Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, November 12, 2021, at Second Presbyterian Church, 214 Mountain Avenue, SW, Roanoke, Va., with a reception to immediately follow the service. The service will be officiated by Dr. George C. Anderson and The Rev. Elizabeth N.H. Link. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 11, 2021, at Oakey's South Chapel on Brambleton Avenue.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the Children's Ministry at Second Presbyterian Church. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.oakeys.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Roanoke Times from Nov. 10 to Nov. 11, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Gregory Carter

Sponsored by Oakey’s South Chapel.

15 Entries

Dorothy Ortlinghaus

November 4, 2022

Remembering all the love you gave to everyone. You are missed.

Janet Bridgen

April 6, 2022

I was saddened to hear of Gregory's passing. My condolences to your family. May you find comfort in your sweetest memories.

Jeanne and linda and families

Planted Trees

Jeanne Vumbaca

November 14, 2021

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your sweet boy, with love and hugs
Jeanne

Peter and Kim

Sent Flowers

Addie Monson

Sent Flowers

Squeaky Valentine

November 10, 2021

I was honored to work with Gregory at Cave Spring High School. He was such a large personality in a small body. The teachers and students who were blessed to work with him benefited greatly for being a part of his life. I will never forget the sweet relationship that he had with Mrs. Kenley ("Edif" as he called her). I also remember how he persisted that Mrs. Flora was his wife ("Life"). We all loved Gregory aka ""Texas Ranger". My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Cris Newsome

November 10, 2021

I am so sorry for your loss. I know you have so many wonderful memories to help you remember him by. So happy he was so active in his community and helped so many others. Sending hugs and prayers.

Cheryl Henry Pohlman

November 10, 2021

So sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of babysitting Gregory and Meredith. Beautiful children.

Peggy Garland

November 10, 2021

Susan, so sorry to hear this news. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Joe Stanley

November 10, 2021

My dear profesora! My heart is with during this time. My prayers for peace and comfort are with you. Love you!

Annie Harman

November 10, 2021

Susan, I remember this sweet little boy running up to hug me with that precious smile. I am so sorry that I can´t be there to share in Gregory´s celebration of life. I know he lived life to the fullest and that God will reward him in Heaven. Love and prayers to you and the entire family.

Lynn Meredith

November 10, 2021

Bill and I were so saddened to learn of Gregory's sudden illness and passing. Having worked with many special needs students, I have always known how cherished Gregory was by all of his family, friends, teachers and those involved in all of his enrichment programs and education. Prayers and love continue to be sent to both of his parents and, also, to his sisters, as well and other family members and friends.
God Bless you All,
Lynn Ellen and Bill Meredith

Sandra Dickey Phillips

November 10, 2021

I am so sorry to hear of the loss ofGregory. I have many sweet memories of Gregory over the years that he and SHAWN spent in school and other activities. Greg was always so friendly , making sure he got around to speak to everyone. Always with a smile on his face.
I hope you all find comfort and peace when you think of the many memories you have of him. I hope some bring a smile to your face and lift your heart.
We will be thinking of you ,
SHAWN and Sandra Phillips