John Larry Carter, Sr., 75, of Leonardtown, MD, passed away on December 8, 2014 at home surrounded by his family after a lengthy illness. Born in Zanesville, Ohio on May 8, 1939 he was the son of the late Leo Emerson Carter and Norma Talmadge Berry.

He was the loving husband of Nellie Elizabeth (Betsy) Carter whom he married on November 12, 1960, at Our Lady's Catholic Church in Medley's Neck, MD. He was the father of Jo Ann Hill and late husband Johnny of Hollywood, MD and John "Larry" Carter, Jr. and wife Debbi of Callaway, MD.

He is survived by two brothers, James Calhoun Carter and wife Joyce of Pomeroy, OH and Charles Powell and wife Amy of Gallipolis, OH. John had 6 grandchildren: Wesley Hill (Christina), Katie Hill, Anna Hill, William "Billy" Lewis, James Robert Lewis, and Britney King (Chris). John was also blessed with 7 great-grand children: Lilly Lemons, Jacob and Vanessa Hill, Connor Lewis, and Connor, Paisley, and Adelyn King.

John was predeceased by his sister Mary Francis Turpin and son-in-law John Wayne Hill.

Although John was born and raised in Ohio, he considered St. Mary's County his home living in the county since 1958. John graduated from Gallia High School in Gallipolis, Ohio in 1958, and entered into the United States Navy as a Navy/Marines, Hospital Corpsman. He served his country proudly until 1962.

The majority of his life was spent working at the Naval Air Station, Patuxent River, MD, as an Applied Biologist in the Pest Control Shop. It was a job that he loved and excelled. He retired from NAS as a Planner/Estimator in l993.

In his retirement years, John spent his time tinkering around his house, taking care of his property, and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. John's wife, children and grandchildren were the loves of his life. He loved spending time with his family and friends at the family pool and cooking out.

His grandchildren thought of him as a best friend. He could often be seen pulling his little ones around on cart rides with the lawn mower or taking rides on his golf cart. John loved to tend to his yard and use to have a huge garden that provided for many. He took great pride in his home, property, and gardens. Working with wood was a special gift for John. He left many special pieces for family and friends to treasure.

John was a member of the Knights of Columbus; serving as the Ridge Council's Grand Knight and later as a member of the Hollywood Council. John and Betsy were members of the Country Music Club and enjoyed listening and dancing to the music of local country bands along while meeting and making many special friends throughout the years.

The family will receive friends for a visitation on Wednesday, December 10, 2014 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home in Leonardtown, MD where prayers will be recited at 7:00 pm with Knights of Columbus prayers following at 7:15 pm. A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, December 11, at 10:00 am at Holy Face Catholic Church in Great Mills, MD with Father Jerry Gamrot and Father Ray Schmidt officiating. Interment will immediately follow in Charles Memorial Gardens in Leonardtown, MD. Pallbearers will be Dale Abell, John Connelly, Wesley Hill, Billy Lewis, John Raley, and Dale Glenn Sanders. Honorary pallbearers will be Wallace Berry, Chris King, James Robert Lewis, William "Bill" Lewis, Bobby Lynch, Stewart Moreland, Benedict Raley, and Tommy Woodburn.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Second District Volunteer Rescue Squad, Hospice of St. Mary's, or Better Breathers Club at Medstar St. Mary's Hospital. Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home.