Mr. Samuel Carter, Sr.

Celebrating The Life Of Samuel Carter, Sr.: Samuel Carter, Sr., affectionately known as Sam, Dad, Grandpa and Papa, was born to Sencnell and John Carter in Anguilla, Mississippi on October 19, 1943. The fourth of 13 children born to this union, he was preceded in death by both of his parents, and his siblings, Frank, Darrell, Dorothy Jean Gregory, Charles, L. J. , Cleotha, John and Elizabeth. Sam was a lifelong Christian, and served faithfully in many capacities. He began his faith journey at Mt. Gideon CME Church in Mississippi as a child, with his final church home being First United Methodist Church of Ferndale, Michigan. Sam was a well-respected leader in the church, and served as a Lay Leader and Lay Speaker, Sunday School superintendent, and church trustee for many years. He was especially passionate about his role as the chair of the General Commission on Religion and Race of the Methodist Church, and worked hard to build awareness, understanding and tolerance among people of all backgrounds. While still in Anguilla, Sam met Charlestein "Dot" Lovette, and on New Year's Eve 1964, the two began a journey together that would withstand the test of time. Shortly after graduating from Henry Weathers High School in Rolling Fork, MS in 1961 and marrying the love of his life, Sam moved to Chicago, Illinois, before being drafted to the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He served dutifully and was honorably discharged in 1968, and immediately moved to Detroit, Michigan to begin his 30 years of employment at Chrysler's Jefferson North Assembly Plant. The couple soon became a family, and to this union, four children were born, Sam Jr., Kimberly, Bradley and Stacee. They lived in Oak Park, Michigan for nearly 30 years, before finally settling in West Bloomfield, Michigan. Family meant everything to Sam. He was a loving husband, doting father, a friend and brother to all he came in contact with. After his retirement from Chrysler in 2000, he could often be found with his makeshift phonebook in hand, making calls to routinely check in on loved ones. Aside from God and family, only one other thing took precedence in Sam's life: sports. He played softball with the UAW 7 team for many years, including a few championship seasons. No matter the sport, if there was a game on, he'd be watching. He was especially fond of baseball, football, basketball, and rooting for Venus, Serena and Tiger. Sam was called home to his Heavenly Father on January 2, 2019. Throughout his life, Sam's faith in God and his love for his family were constant, unwavering fixtures. His smile, warmth and sincerity will be fondly remembered by his family and friends.

Mr. Samuel Carter, Sr.

October 19, 1943 - January 2, 2019