Charles Eugene Carter

Capt. Charles Eugene “Gene” Carter, USAF (Ret.), age 70, of Alpharetta, GA, went home to be with his Heavenly Father on March 15, 2025, passing peacefully at home as he wished.

Gene lived a life of service—to God, his country, his family, and his community. His story is one of resilience, faith, and deep love. Born on April 11, 1954, in Norfolk, VA, Gene faced a difficult childhood, moving around with his mother and brother before finding stability at Mountain Mission School (MMS) in Grundy, VA. Without a traditional family to guide him, MMS became that family, laying a Biblical foundation that he would build upon throughout his life. Despite his humble beginnings, he became a man of unwavering integrity, a leader, and a source of encouragement to everyone who crossed his path.

Gene’s personal mantra to “Spread the Good” was witnessed in the way he devoted his life to lifting others up. His service in the United States Air Force, both in active duty and civilian roles, reflected his deep sense of duty and honor. Even in retirement, he remained dedicated to giving back—serving as the Alumni Director for Mountain Mission School, mentoring young people, and always seeking ways to make life better for others. His contributions extended beyond his military career; he co-founded the Military Family Support Center in Roanoke, VA, served as the founding Board Chairman of the DC Metro Chapter of Operation Homefront, and faithfully led various church ministries as an elder and deacon wherever life took him. His lifetime of service was recognized with numerous military honors and the President’s Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award, but he never sought recognition—only the opportunity to serve.

Beyond his accomplishments, Gene will be remembered for his kindness, wisdom, ingenuity and sense of humor. He was a devoted husband to his childhood sweetheart and wife of 50 years, Rita Sue Coleman Carter; a loving father to his daughters, Kelly Jean Carter of Cumming, GA, and Patricia Ann Thompson, of Ponte Vedra, FL, her husband, Teddy, and their daughters, Grace Isabelle and Carter Adalee - who affectionately called him “Paw-Paw". He also leaves behind his half-sister, Virginia Lucille Lee, loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of long-time friends and MMS “brothers and sisters”. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Lena Allen Carter; father, Donald Eugene Carter; and brother, Billy Thomas Carter.

A memorial service will be held at Georgia National Cemetery, in Canton, GA on Monday, April 14th, at 11:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gene’s honor to Mountain Mission School. Donations are accepted online using https://mmskids.org/donate or you can send a check to 1760 Edgewater Drive, Grundy, VA, 24614, ensuring that more children, like Gene once was, can find hope, education, and a family in the community that shaped him into the incredible man he became.