Raymond Matthew Carter, Sr., 69, died in his home in Clements, Maryland on February 13, 2009 following a lengthy illness with throat cancer.

Raymond was born January 21, 1940 in Oakley, Maryland to Mary Cornelia Green Carter and Francis Cornelius Carter. He attended St. Joseph's Catholic School in Morganza, Maryland. On November 5, 1960 he married Gertrude Veronica Neale and from that union there were four children, Raymond Matthew Carter, Jr., Charles Samuel Carter, Sr., Robert Fitzgerald Carter, and Linda Renee Carter (Price). He was preceded in death by his son, (Raymond Matthew Carter, Jr.), both of his parents, two brothers (James (Jimmy) Carter and Aloysius Carter) and his sister, (Agnes Cecelia Carter Chesley).

Raymond loved the country life, and he was a very successful farmer. During the early years, he worked as a Share Cropper on the Bailey's Farm in Bushwood, Maryland, in addition to working at the sawmill, Gordon Raygan bricklaying, and being a part-time waterman. In 1970 he moved his family to Clements, and for 25 years he worked on the Quade farm while raising his own crops of tobacco, corn and soybeans. He also enjoyed hunting. After retiring from farming, he worked on the Russell farm in Clements where he continued to display a joy of discing and plowing land in addition to working with fruits and vegetables. He would also lend a hand to the late Joseph Vallandingham with his crops.

Throughout his farm life, Raymond encountered many people that completely touched the core of his soul such as Charles B. Nelson (better known as (Manzie or Banjo), the late "Teddy Bear" Lathroum, Jackie Tennyson, Jimmy Hurry, the Quade brothers (George Bernard and Ray), James (Squirrell) Price, and the Russell brothers (Walter, Leroy, Brian, Glen, Andy and (the late Kevin)) - as well as so many other St. Mary's Countians.

Raymond also truly treasured the long-term friendships he held with his many brothers-in-law especially that of the late Walter Chesley, Sr., Clarence T. Neale, and William (Willie) Neale in addition to the brothers-in-law he leaves behind which include Christopher Neale, Joseph (Chummy) Tyer, and William A. Hebb, Sr.

During his battle with cancer, Raymond was able to continue to remain in his home and received daily care and attention from several of his family members, especially his sister, Geraldine, who catered to Raymond's every need as if it were a full-time job. She was there for him each and every day…and even when she went home, she constantly called to make sure he was okay and had what he needed. Raymond was so fortunate to have such a strong support group, and he truly understood how blessed he was. He was even blessed by special angels such as Joyce and Billy Cusic and Walter and Betty Russell who constantly made sure he had lots of baked goods and produce to keep him going…plus the most wonderful Hospice caregivers, Cathy Russell Humphries and Mary Ellen Hill.

Raymond leaves to mourn, his three children, Charles S. Carter, Sr. (Tanji), Robert F. Carter (Leslie), and Linda Renee Carter Price (Windell/Benny), seven grandchildren, Charles S. Carter, Jr., Cyrus A. Carter, Dominique N. Carter, James W. Price, Jr. (JW), Kavan T. Small, Kerrin A. Small, and Brandon T. Quade. He also leaves his aunt Bernice Carter Barbour, ex-wife Gertrude Veronica Carter,four sisters, Mary Madeline Davis (Sis), Helen Elizabeth Davis (Betty), Anna Geraldine Tyer, and Alberta Jenifer (Frankie), one brother Thomas Theodore Carter, also his long time riding buddy Athena.

Pallbearers will be James (Mouse) Carter, Wayne Somerville, John Chesley, Charles Countiss, Donald Thomas, Robert Armstrong, Jr., Joseph T. Price, and Gary Hill, Sr.

Honorary Pallbearers will include William Chesley, Walter Chesley, Al Chesley, Francis Chesley, Martin Chesley, Del Mar Chesley, Winfred Countiss, Kevin Countiss, Christopher C. Neale, George Quade, and William A. Hebb, Sr.

Alter servers will be Gary Hill, Jr. and Raymond E. Quade, Jr.

Family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, Maryland 20650. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bushwood, Maryland at 12:00 noon with Fr. Timothy Baer officiating. Interment will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.