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Ray G. Carter Sr. 1936-2021

O’FALLON, Ill. — Ray Gene Carter Sr., 84, formerly of Youngstown, died Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, at his residence.

Born Nov. 12, 1936, in Youngstown, Ray was a nine-time letterwinner at North High School, where he participated in football, basketball, track and was captain of all their teams as a senior. In college, he played running back for the Youngstown State University Penguins from 1955 to 1958 and also ran track. He earned eight letters, participating in football and track. He set the school mark in the 100-yard dash at 9.7 and at 23-feet in the broad jump. As a junior in 1957, Ray was second on the team for rushing with 500 yards and five touchdowns. In 1959, he was named YSU’s Most Valuable Athlete and signed to play professional football for the Detroit Lions. At one time, Ray Carter was considered one of the fastest men in the state of Ohio.

Serving with the United States Army from May 1960 through April 1962, he was chosen outstanding soldier at Fort Knox, Ky., and top physical fitness instructor. Ray later received his master’s degree in education from YSU, then his EED in Psychology from University of Pittsburgh. He retired after 35 years as a psychologist with St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital.

Ray married Virginia Averhart Carter, on July 16, 1960. They enjoyed 59 years of married life until her death Feb. 6, 2020.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, Amos and Myrtle Wilson Carter Sr.; his sisters, Amy Lou Queener and Alfreda Elaine Croft; and his brothers, Amos Wallace Carter Jr. and David Delaney Carter.

He is survived by his sons, Raymond G. (Glendorline Angel) Carter Jr. of O’Fallon, Ill., John A. (Cynthia) Carter of Nashville, Tenn. and Dewayne D. (Kristin) Carter of Columbus; five grandchildren, Atty. Raymond G. Carter III, Krystal Gail Carter, Kevin Dewayne (Fay) Carter, Dewayne Kristopher Carter and Kennedy Christine Carter; two great-granddaughters, Jaeda Channel Carter and Gwyneth Hope Carter; and his sister, Geraldine M. (Percy) Tate of Youngstown.

A graveside committal service, with military honors, will take place 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021, at Dayton National Cemetery.

Condolences may be made to the family at www.kasslyfuneral.com.

(special notice)