Mervin Allen Carter, age 76, of Hampstead died Monday, December 22, 2008 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

He was born December 29, 1931 in Hampstead and was the son of the late Gideon and Louise Batson Carter. He was also predeceased by his twin great grandchildren, Allan and Brianna Carter; son-in-law, Elvin "Shorty" Padgett; sister, Jewel Alford and brother, Wilbur Carter.

Surviving are his loving family: his wife of 58 years, Beatrice Shepard Carter of the home; children, Thelma Carter Padgett of Hampstead, Dale Carter (Patty), Margie Carter Coleman (Layton), and Wendy Carter Miller (Adrian) all of Hampstead; grandchildren, Carla Citarelli (Curtis), Nathan Carter (Melissa), Patrick Carter, Carter Miller and Joel Miller; four great grandchildren, Austin, Alexandria, Ashlyn, and Emma; brothers, Joe Carter (Joyce) and Cecil Carter (Sue) all of Hampstead; sister-in-law, Sherry Carter of Wilmington; and several nieces and nephews.

Allen was a devoted member of Blakes Chapel Advent Christian Church where he became a deacon at the age of 18 and had served as an elder for the past 35 years. He was retired from Onslow County School Bus Garage as Director of Transportation. For over 40 years Allen was owner of Carter's Trash Service. He was former coach of Sloop Point Cardinals baseball team.

Allen lived all of his life on the sound and loved every minute of it - oystering and fishing, always sharing the fruits of his labors. Allen's creed was "Do the right thing, love thy family and neighbors and walk humbly with God."

Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 27, 2008 at Blakes Chapel Advent Church with the Rev. Edward Dowd and the Rev. Danny Justice officiating.

Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Casketbearers will be Jeff Alford, Ernest Geddie, Jimmy Batson, Rex Sidbury, Joe Carter, and Cecil Carter.

Honorary casketbearers will be Robert Swinson, Arthur Butler, Gerald Padgett, Leslie Lee, Garfield Carter and Bobby Hall.

The family will receive friends Friday 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Blakes Chapel Advent Christian Church.

Memorial gifts may be given to Blakes Chapel Deacons' Fund, 88 Blakes Chapel Rd., Hampstead, NC 28443

Condolences may be sent to www.quinnmcgowen.com

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Burgaw.