Mr. Nathaniel (Toby) Carter was born September 4, 1923 to James C. and Essie Johnson Carter in Ludowici, GA.
Mr. Carter lived most of his life in Ludowici where he joined the St. Phillip Missionary Baptist Church at nine years old. He has been a faithful church member and remained faithful until his health failed. He attended Sunday School regularly and served as Chairman Deacon and Treasurer. He attended Ludowici Primary School, which only included grades 1-8.
In 1943, he enlisted in the United States Army and performed overseas duties as a heavy equipment operator. He served in New Guinea, the Asiatic Pacific, and Phillippines where he was awarded a service medal with two bronze stars, the Phillippines Liberation Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and Word War II Victory Medal. He departed the United States Army post war in 1945 after receiving honorable discharge.
In 1947, he met and married Josie Thomas. In their union of marriage, several children were born later. He was a good provider and preferred that she never took a job outside of the home. He always bragged about her good cooking and added that she made the best biscuits in town.
In 1948, he began employment at Camp Stewart, now called Fort Stewart Infantry Division, as a heavy equipment operator; he worked days at Fort Stewart, at night, he made house calls, and on weekends, he worked night and day in the radio/tv shop.
He received numerous awards and certificates for his outstanding performances at Fort Stewart Georgia, they are as follows:
In 2004, St James Missionary Baptist Church awarded him a certificate of appreciation in honor of their annual Black History Program for forty-five years of service as a Business Owner.
In 2008, The St.Phillip Missionary Baptist Church awarded a certificate of appreciation of exceptional services as Chairperson in their annual Women and Men’s Day Program.
In 2014, St. Phillip Missionary Baptist Church awarded a certificate of appreciation for eighty-two years of services or Long-Life Membership.
In January 2016, he was chosen Grand Marshall for the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade where he received an award.
In January 2021, he was awarded a certificate of appreciation for being a World War II Veteran and for he and Mrs. Carter becoming the Oldest Living Married Couple in Long County, Georgia. They were honored for 74 years of marriage.
Mr. Carter transitioned from this life, Tuesday night, April 6, 2021 at 8:45 p.m. at his home surrounded by his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents James C. and Essie Carter, an older brother, Johnnie Newsome, three sons, Theron Carter, Ralph Carter, Nathaniel (Toby) Douglas, two sister-in-laws, Mary Jane Williams and Gurnie Fraser Newsome, and a devoted niece, Charity Newsome Torrence.
He is survived by his wife, Josie Carter, of 74 years, two daughters, Veronica and her husband Wilbert of Hinesville, Valerie R. Turek of Allenhurst, GA; six grandchildren and their spouses, Nathaniel (Toby) Jr. and Felicia Douglas, Angus and Natalie Douglas of Gainesville, Florida, Quansa and Shennel McCullough of Pooler, GA, Quixote (Shannette) McCullough of Hinesville, GA, Jo LaMiracle and Johnathon Patton of Mableton, GA and Quavante’ and Terrica McCullough of Pooler, GA; one daughter-in-law, Flossie Douglas of Gainesville, Florida; 18 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Special nieces and nephews, Marilyn and Roger Ricks of Jesup, GA, Doniver and Deborah Williams of Ludowici, GA, and Glenn Carter of Florence, South Carolina; several dedicated godchildren, Ned Wheeler and Leon King of Pembroke, GA, Frank and Sheila Drummer of Lizella, GA, Curtis Wilcox of Ludowici, GA, Robert Gamble of Atlanta, GA; and a special son, Joseph L. Rogers of Brunswick, Georgia.
The family would like to thank all of those who contributed to his care and concerns, including his former Pastor David McCall, Pastor Bobby Joe Hall, other members of St. Phillip Missionary Baptist Church for their love and support, such as, Sister Mary C. Hamilton, Deacon Edward L. Hines, Deacon John L. Jones, and Sister Elizabeth Smith, Pastor James Evans of St. James Missionary Baptist Church, Ludowici, GA, Pastor Frank Jones of Mount Olive Baptist Church, Walthourville, GA, and Pastor Willie Davis of New Hope AME Methodist Church of Ludowici, Georgia.
We would also like to thank the nurses and caregivers of Altamaha Home Care of Blackshear, Georgia for taking such good care of him, the nurses and caregivers of Kindred Hospice of Savannah for making his last days comfortable, and the staff of Royal Funeral Home for their patience, consideration, and cooperation.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., followed by a brief ceremony from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at St. Phillips Missionary Baptist Church, 147 Boundary Street, Ludowici, GA 31316.
Social distancing recommended, masks are required.
*Burial at the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Glennville, Georgia, is suspended because of the pandemic.