Jack Carter

Jack Carter, age 86, of Christy Creek Road, Morehead, widower of Becky Carter and long-time Rowan County Sheriff, passed away Friday, January 19, 2024, at his home (the same house where he was born).

Born February 26, 1937, in Morehead, he was the son of the late W. H. “Bill” and Lydia Susan Moore Carter.  He was also preceded in death by his sister, Lois Anne Holley and her husband Jack; his infant twin brother Joe; his six-year-old brother, Billy; and his in-laws, Ray Lee and Ethel Mae Hall White.

Jack and his loving wife, Rebecca White Carter, were married August 26, 1961, and enjoyed nearly 52 years together as loving parents, grandparents, and great grandparents.  Becky passed away July 5, 2013.

Jack is survived by one son, Joe Carter and wife Amy of Morehead, Kentucky; two daughters, Sally Dettwiller and husband Ed of Greenfield, Ohio, and Sandy Eldridge and husband Randy of Morehead, Kentucky; six grandchildren, Caralyne Carter, Hannah Eldridge, Jake Eldridge, Maggie Dettwiller McKay and husband Andrew, Molly Dettwiller Sullivan, and Emily Dettwiller Waltz and husband Chris; and five great grandchildren, Carter and Katlyn Waltz and Emerson, Annie, and Olivia McKay.

Other survivors include his brother, Roger Carter and wife Carol of West Liberty, Kentucky, and sister-in-law, Lyda White of Morehead, Kentucky, as well as numerous devoted nieces and nephews; cousins; extended family; and very dear friends.

Jack graduated from University Breckinridge School, attended Morehead State University, served two years in the U.S. Marine Corps, co-owned lumber businesses, and served as Rowan County Sheriff. 

Jack served nine terms as the Rowan County Sheriff, from 1972 to 2014.  The second longest serving sheriff in Kentucky, Jack was recognized by County Judge-Executive Harry Clark and Rowan County Fiscal Court in 2019. A plaque honoring him was placed on the wall near the entrance to the Rowan County Courthouse.

At a young age, Jack completed lumber grading school in Memphis, Tennessee, and worked for his father-in- law at Ray L. White Lumber Company.  Later, he and his brother Roger co-owned Carter Brothers Lumber in Sandy Hook and before being elected sheriff, Jack owned Appalachian Wood Products in Morehead.

Jack was recognized as a highly skilled athlete. He played baseball and basketball at Breck, both baseball and basketball at MSU, baseball while serving in the Marine Corps, and baseball with Morehead American Legion Post 126.  He also was drafted by and played for the Chicago White Socks Farm Team. He loved all sports to the end, especially golf! As an avid lifelong golfer, Jack would derive great pleasure from hitting golf balls anywhere—including at home in his yard.

Jack truly loved his family and the people of Rowan County.  He will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be conducted 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel with Pastor Larry Robinson and Rev. Ben Tackett presiding. Beth Stone, Jack’s niece, will provide the eulogy.  The funeral will be livestreamed at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Facebook page beginning at 11 a.m. 

Interment will follow in Lee Cemetery with full military honors presented by Morehead American Legion Post No. 126.

Pallbearers:  Billy Bruce Fouch, Bill Sheely, Dr. Douglas McLoney, Judge Willie Roberts, Delmas Ferguson, Jim Wells, Don Hardin, and Mark Perkins serving as pallbearers.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, January 22, 2024, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351.

View memorial tribute or sign guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jack Carter, please visit our floral store.