Funeral services for James Melvin “Skip” Carter were held at 4:00 p.m. on July 30, 2022, at Holly Pond Funeral Home. Mr. Carter passed away July 22, 2022, at the age of 82.
Mr. Carter was born in Chattanooga, TN on March 18, 1940, to Melvin Curtis Carter and Betty Eva Gibbs Carter. He attended school at Holly Pond where he met his future wife, Ruth Carolyn Gorham. They married May 22, 1959. After graduating from Holly Pond High School, he attended college at St. Bernard.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years: Ruth Carolyn Gorham Carter; his parents; and his brother: Jerry Gibbs Carter. He is survived by his three children: James Rodney Carter (Milla), Connie Lynne Carter, and Jeffery Melvin Carter (Sandra); one grandson: Jeffery Shane Carter; and cousins: Charlie Hunt, Lynn Swafford, Julia Thompson, Janice Moore, Jim Robinson, and Suzanne Belser.
Mr. Carter became a successful businessman who designed and engineered two used oil plants, one in Chattanooga, TN for his cousin, Charlie, and one in Hanceville, AL for himself which he operated for 20 years. He was an avid bluegrass musician who spent many years playing music with his son, Rodney. They both shared an interest in vintage instruments. They traveled many miles to festivals and contests from the time Rodney started playing the banjo until it became just the two of them sitting at home and playing. He also enjoyed outboard hydroplane boat racing with his two sons. The Carter Racing Team achieved seven national championships, two world championships, and set four records. Teaching people how to check and assemble some of the fastest racing engines and boats in the country gave him great satisfaction.
Mr. Carter loved life and lived it at full speed.
Funeral services provided by Holly Pond Funeral Home with burial in the Holly Pond Cemetery. Obituary provided by the Carter family.
