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Gary Carter
8/20/2022
Gary Carter, 62, of DeLand FL passed away Saturday morning, August 20, 2022. The son of the late Ollie and Gloria Carter, Gary was born and raised in Wadley, Georgia. He graduated Salutatorian from Wadley High School in 1976 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry from the University of Georgia in 1981. He continued his education at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, earning a Master of Divinity degree in 1983.
Gary came to DeLand in 1984 to serve as Minister of Youth at First Baptist Church and later served as Associate Pastor as well until 2004. His passion for flying then led him to pursue a career in aviation. He was most recently employed by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University as an Assistant Professor in the College of Aviation at the Daytona Beach campus.
Gary was truly a servant at heart and was always involved in serving at his local church in one way or another. For the past twelve years Gary was a member of Stetson Baptist Church where he taught youth Sunday School, served on various committees, and most recently worked each Sunday morning with the audio/visual team.
Gary’s love of adventure and travel led in various crazy directions. From flying and skydiving above to scuba diving below, and everything in between, Gary loved to have fun and was always in pursuit of an adventure. He found a certain joy in sharing these adventurous activities with those around him. Most of all he loved God, his family, and serving others. Some of his fondest memories were from the various mission trips he led with youth and adults over the years. His desire to spread God’s love and the Gospel to all people never died.
Through the church visitation program at First Baptist Church, Gary met the love of his life, Barbara, and they were happily married for 25 years. He is also survived by his daughter, Sydney (22), his son, John (20), as well as a brother, Glenn (Becky) of Savannah GA and his favorite sister, Carol (Graham) of Wadley GA, and several aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
The service to celebrate Gary will be Friday, August 26, 2pm at Stetson Baptist Church, 1025 W Minnesota Ave, DeLand, FL 32720. Ice cream sundaes will be served afterwards. Gary always loved ice cream, except for peppermint! In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be sent to Stetson Baptist’s youth program at the above address to continue to support the youth mission work he loved so much.