Donald (Don) Rossi Carter, 79, of Clinton, passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at Wakemed in Cary.

Funeral Services for Mr. Carter will be Sunday, July 26,2026 at 2 PM at New Hope Baptist Church in Bolton, with Rev. Zachary Jacobs, officiating.  Burial will be Sunday, July 26, 2026, at 5:30 PM at New Bethel Baptist Church in Clinton with Military Honors.  The family will receive family and friends at New Hope Baptist Church prior to the service from 12 PM – 1:45 PM and other times at his home in Clinton.

Don was one of seven boys born in Sampson County to the late Roy Lee Carter and Beatrice Simmons Carter and was married for 57 years to Loretha Maynard Carter.   Don was proud to be in the last graduating class at East Carolina Indian High School (ECI). After graduating high school Don joined the US Army and served in the Vietnam War.  After leaving the Army in 1968, he went to work with UPS for 32 years.  In January 1980 he accepted his calling into the ministry and became the Pastor of New Hope Baptist Church where he served for 43 years, retiring in April 2023.  Don also found time to coach baseball at Union High School where his son Justin was playing.   Don loved taking care of his family, was an avid reader, loved gardening, golf and cutting grass.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife Loretha, 2 sons; Joshua Carter (Panda) and Justin Carter (Crystal), his Grandchildren; Meyia, Coy, Jeter, Trent, Hannah, Caleb, Logan, Laila and Camden and 3 Great-Grandchildren.  He also leaves 2 brothers; Percy Carter (Farrell Rose) of Clinton and Gary Carter (Ann) of Charlotte, a host of nieces and nephews and countless friends that he had touched and blessed over his years in his service to the Lord.

Online condolences can be made to the family at www.crumpler-honeycutt.com