Earle M. Carter, Sr., 85, of Springfield, formerly of New Bedford, died February 21, 2003, at Park View Specialty Hospital in Springfield after a brief illness.
He was the husband of Florentina (Tagle) Carter of Dartmouth, whom he married in Manila, Philippines in 1945 while serving in the U.S. Army. He brought his wife and two young sons to the United States in 1948.
Born in New Bedford, son of the late James and Ernestine (Maddox) Carter, he had lived in New Bedford for most of his life before moving to Springfield four years ago to live with his daughter, Melody Carter-Walls, and her husband, Melvin Walls.
He was a member of Bethel A.M.E. Church in New Bedford, where he served as Superintendent of Sunday School and a member of the Trustee Board. He also attended Faith Tabernacle Church in East Longmeadow.
Mr. Carter was formerly employed as purchase manager for the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) until his retirement in 1995. From 1980 to 1983, Mr. Carter was employed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and from 1970-1980, he was employed as Project Director for Concentrated Code Enforcement Program for the City of New Bedford.
Mr. Carter received numerous awards and citations during his career: In 1987, he was one of eight people honored by MHFA for outstanding achievement, and in 1983, he received the Outstanding Performance Award from HUD. In 1972, he received a commendation from the New Bedford City Council for a job well done in Sycamore-West area; in 1973, he received a letter of appreciation from the City of Fall River for responding to a Lead Poisoning inspection, and a commendation from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials for his outstanding job performance; in 1974, he received a commendation from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Secretary of State for outstanding and manifold contributions to the City of New Bedford; and in 1975, he was appointed Supervisor of the Properties Conservation Department by Mayor John A. Markey.
Mr. Carter served in the U.S. Army during World War II, participating in the Battles and Campaigns of New Guinea, Southern Philippines and Luzon. He was a recipient of the Asiatic-Pacific Theater campaign ribbon, the Philippine Liberation ribbon with one Bronze Service Star, the Good Conduct medal and the World War II Victory medal. In 1977, he retired with the highest enlisted rank of Chief Warrant Officer. In 1978, he received the Army Commendation medal as Battalion Race Relations Officer from the Department of the Army, and in 1978 he received a citation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives for recognition of outstanding service and achievement in the U.S. Army.
Mr. Carter was a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and served as past president from 1963-64 and 1975-78. He received the NAACP New Bedford branch service award and the 1993 NAACP Certificate of Attainment award. He was instrumental in the building of the NAACP Headquarters on Cedar Street in New Bedford. He was also a member and Past Master of Union Lodge #4, F. & A.M. of New Bedford, and was the past R.W. District Deputy Grand Master at the Most Worshipful Prince Hall, Grand Lodge F. & A.M. He had been awarded several Torchlighter Awards. In 1991 he received the Community Service Award from the Black Professional Association. In 1978 he received a House of Representatives citation for recognition of his dedicated efforts and achievements in the fight for freedom.
Survivors include his wife; 4 sons, James T. Carter of Grenada Hills, Cal., Ronelino Carter and Vernon Carter, both of New Bedford, and Roberto Carter of Ludlow; 4 daughters, Melody Carter-Walls of Springfield, Dawne Botelho and Kimberly Carter, both of New Bedford, and Priscilla Hagins of Simpsonville, S.C.; a brother, Rev. Vernon Carter of Cambridge, retired Minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; 26 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.He was the father of the late Ernesto T. Carter and Earle M. Carter, Jr.
His Funeral Service will be held on Friday February 28, 2003 at 11 AM in the Bethel A.M.E. Church, 532 County St., New Bedford. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Rural Cemetery, New Bedford. Visiting hours will be at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford Thursday February 27, 2003 from 4-8 PM.