When the time comes to bid this life farewell, we should find comfort in knowing that a loving God will be there with us to guide us to our new home.

https://my.gather.app/remember/john-l-carter 

In tribute to John Lee Carter, his family and friends welcome you to take part in the celebration of his life and to remember the life he enthusiastically lived. John Lee Carter, 68, of Unionville, Virginia, departed this earthly life on April 11, 2026, at INOVA Fairfax Hospital in Fairfax, Virginia, very peacefully surrounded by infinite love and care. Born on September 24, 1957, to Lewis Alphonso Carter(deceased) and Ruth Virginia Carter (deceased) in Charlottesville, Virginia, John lived a life defined by compassion, a keen sense of humor, humility, love for his friends and family, determination, and a phenomenal memory for anecdotal information and events. John was a beloved friend and confidant to many, and his presence left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him. All who knew John have a special story or encounter to share that will live in their hearts throughout time.

John was baptized at Orange Grove Baptist Church at an early age by the late Rev. F.F. Terrell. From that day, he knew his God and knew to whom he belonged. John judged no one and was there to help anyone that he could. John, Karen, and Erica helped to care for his mother, Ruth Virginia Carter during her illness. You could find John giving friends a ride to the store when needed. He was charitable to those in the community and gave quietly without favor or fanfare.

John is survived by his daughter Erica Bolden Carter, Erica’s mother, Karen Bolden, his siblings: George Carter (Rita) of Oak Ridge, Tennessee; Virginia Johnson of Lorton, Virginia; Saundra Fitzgerald (Alfonza) of Reston, Virginia, along with many treasured and beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous treasured friends. John was preceded in death by his siblings: Broadus White (Christine) of Seat Pleasant Maryland; Joseph White (Evelyn) of Spotsylvania, Virginia; and Hannah Coleman (Henry) of Spotsylvania, Virginia.

John was a graduate of Orange County High School and furthered his education as he attended Germanna Community College and Virginia State University. John held various jobs and had many career opportunities throughout his life including Merrill Lynch in New York, Manager of Pizza Hut in Reston, Skycap at Dulles International Airport in US Customs where he met and engaged with numerous celebrities and dignitaries, Farmer’s Home Administration, Assistant to the Director in Orange where he helped a family member secure loans for equipment and livestock, American Woodmark and Doubleday in Orange, along with Continental In Culpeper, Virginia. John loved his time with family and friends most of all and will be remembered for his modesty, generosity, and gift of storytelling.

In his free time, John enjoyed going to the races at Sumerduck Motorsports Park, visiting Lake Anna, watching basketball games, following NASCAR, and cheering for the Commanders with his brother George and his niece Dominique. John was sincere, true to himself, and pure in heart as he found joy in life’s basic pleasures. John listened to music with family and friends as he found solace and joy in the smooth, soulful sounds of old school music where every note held a sustained feeling and each lyric told a relatable story. John’s legacy continues in the hearts of all those who knew him as they reflect on the countless ways that he shared his kindness, love, and wisdom.

John faced his illness with hope, tenacity, and faith as he also accepted the reality of his circumstances with a strength that he knew came from God above. Now John can rest in God’s everlasting arms. John was a protector of his family and friends as he often selectively shared his battle to a limited degree because he did not want sadness or anyone to worry about him. He would always respond “I’m alright”, I’m okay”, “I’m living my life” or “Don’t tell Saundra”. So, let’s remember John and the wonderfully kind strong man he was. Play his favorite song that you remember he danced to and sang with you in person or on the phone. John would want you to keep the music going, continue to dance, and get ready to join him on the other side for the eternal celebration. He’s there; he’s okay, and he knew his Lord and Savior. There were many days when he was hospitalized that many prayers and positive thoughts were shared by his amazing family members and steadfast friends who visited. Saundra would often read Psalm 23 as a foundational source of comfort and divine companionship with a focus on Verse 4: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil…” John was not afraid.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”. (2 Timothy 4:7)

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Orange Grove Baptist Church in Unionville, Virginia. Following will be a repast in the Church dining area. John will be deeply missed, but forever in our hearts.

To the Carter family, we at D. D. Watson offer our most sincere sympathy and condolences. Our prayer continues to be that your abiding faith in God will lend to you a measure of comfort that will strengthen and sustain you during your time of sorrow.

It is during such times as these that we draw upon our faith, stand upon our scriptures, and rely upon our God. There is no question that in this and through this, God will keep you, comfort you, and sustain you. You and your family are forever in our prayers.