COLUMBIA - On March 24, 2017, our Beloved, Nelson McKenzie Carter, passed through the golden gates of Heaven to be with God in peace and happiness. He will be greatly missed and forever loved by his loving wife, Tammy L. Carter of Columbia, S.C. His cherished children, daughters, C. McKenzie (Carter) Johnson (Evan) of Columbia, S.C., Meagan R. (Carter) Jones (Daryl) of Columbia, S.C.; stepsons, Robert S. Haskell of Coopersburg, Pa., and Michael S. Haskell of Columbia, S.C., will miss him terribly and forever hold him in their hearts. He will also be greatly missed by his precious grandchildren, Jaden A. Jones, Carmen R. Jones, Tanner M. Jones of Columbia, S.C., E. Kaylee Haskell and Aubree M. Haskell of Columbia, S.C., and Lyla S. Johnson of Columbia, S.C. His brother, Harry L. Carter, Jr. and wife, Marie Carter of Kingstree, S.C., will deeply miss him and lovingly cherish their memories of him. His brother-in-law, Rick Rickenbaker of West Columbia, will always miss and remember him. His much-loved nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, family members and special friends will all be forever thankful to have had him in their lives and keep close the times they shared with him. He was predeceased by his loving parents, Corrie Mae (McKenzie Baker) Carter and Harry L. Carter, Sr. of Kingstree S.C.; also by his wonderful sister, Barbra A. Rickenbaker of West Columbia.

He grew up in Kingstree, S.C., where he was educated in the local schools. His favorite hobbies included playing baseball, hunting, fishing, hanging out at Myrtle Beach, going to Clemson football games, and he loved watching his brother drive his race car. After their father passed at a young age, Harry and his brother-in-law, Rick, would become his surrogate fathers and fill the void he so much needed. After graduation in 1974, he went on to Florence- Darlington Technical College to receive his Associates Degree in Machine Tool and Die in 1976. His first job was in Columbia, S.C., therefore moving him here on to a new path for his life. His first daughter was born on June 29, 1981, with his second daughter being born on December 6, 1983, both in Columbia, S.C. As his life happily moved forward his children would grow to be the center of his world. He met the love of his life, Tammy L. Guss Carter in 1996 and never could get her out of his mind. They married on a beautiful summer day in June of 2001 and his family then expanded to six. They enjoyed, dancing the night away, watching movies, eating out and spending time with their children and grandchildren was always a special time. His wife, daughters, and stepsons would become his own little Brady Bunch and keep him hopping. They would all go through the ups and downs of blending a family together and come out with a strong loving bond after all. As his grandchildren began to come into his life he couldn't have been prouder and loved them with all his heart.

During his 28-year career at Square D, he developed unique skills that would lead to his proudest and biggest career choices of his life, EC&M. He and Keith Hudgens would take this challenge head on and flourish until they eventually sold the business in 2015.

A funeral service for Mr. Carter will be held 1 o'clock Tuesday, March 28th, at Killian Baptist Church, 577 W. Killian Road, Columbia, with a reception to follow. Interment will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 until 3 o'clock Monday afternoon at Sandy Bay Pentecostal Church, 188 Delos Road, Kingstree. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to American Cancer Society, S.C. Division, 128 Stonemark Lane, Columbia, SC 29210. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.