Gene Robert Carter

Gene's life began on August 15, 1931 in Dowagiac, MI, the son of Clarence and Ruth (Phillippi) Carter. He was united in marriage to the former Marilyn Zelner, who survives in Athens. Gene worked as an over the road truck driver but was best known as the band leader of the Starlighters. Gene's band was well known and in demand for many years in the area. His loving family includes his wife Marilyn Carter of Athens, TN, children Terry Carter of Hawthorne, FL, June (Larry ) Keen of Athens, Penny MacNeal of Cassopolis, Gina Carter of Athens, Nick (Julie) Carter of Benton Harbor, Aimee Warner of Athens, Wendee (Marty) Tackett of Sweetwater, TN, and Amber Carter of Athens, grandchildren Eric Sullivan, Steven Sullivan, Jessica Underdown, Nicole MacNeal, Jamie Amos, Jhodi Carter, Kodee Carter, Kyle Prescott, Matt Warner, Brooke Warner, Dustin Tackett, Chelsea Tackett, Allissa Tackett, Nathan Tackett, Hannah Tackett, Sheey Keen, Kim Keen, Larry Keen II and John MacNeal; great grandchildren Novalei Sullivan, Evy Sullivan, Megan Sullivan, Austin Sullivan, Jayden Sullivan, Tiffany Newcomer, Trevor Newcomer, Bradley Carter, Kaitlin Carter, Gavin Amos,and Zachary Keen, and sister Patricia Jessup of Dowagiac. Gene passed away on Sunday September 19, 2010 at his home. He is preceded in death by a grandchild Chase Carter, and brother Donald Carter. His family will receive friends on Wednesday from 5- 8 p.m. at Yazel & Clark Chapel where his funeral service will be held on Thursday at 11 a.m. led by Pastor Jim Tippin. He will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery. Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to the family in care of Marilyn Carter. Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Gene at www.yazel-clark.com.