Charles David Carter, 78, of Easley, South Carolina, passed away on August 16, 2026. Born in Walterboro, South Carolina, on September 17, 1947, Charlie was the son of the late Rev. Frank Carter and Carolyn K. Carter. Charlie lived a life firmly grounded in faith, deeply devoted to family, and generously committed to serving others.

Charlie attended Mars Hill College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and distinguished himself as a three-sport collegiate athlete, competing in baseball, basketball, and track. He later continued his education at Furman University, where he earned a Master of Education.

Charlie devoted his professional life to Easley High School, where his influence extended far beyond the positions he held. Early in his career, he served as assistant principal before later returning to the classroom as a mathematics teacher. It was there that his gift for challenging, encouraging, and inspiring young people became especially evident.

Coaching was another of Charlie’s great passions. He was equally at home on the field and the court, where his enthusiasm, competitive spirit, and natural ability to lead were unmistakable. Whether coaching baseball and volleyball, leading the girls’ golf team to state competition, or watching Easley High football games from the stands, Charlie understood that athletics offered lessons extending far beyond wins and losses. He valued competition, but even more, he valued the camaraderie, character, discipline, and lifelong friendships that grew from it.

For all Charlie accomplished professionally, the center of his life was always his family.

For 37 years, Charlie shared his life with his devoted wife, Carolyn, whose love and steadfast support remained constant through every season. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, strengthened by friendship, and devoted to the family they loved so dearly.

His children fondly remember weekends spent working alongside him in the yard, heading into the woods to hunt, finding a favorite fishing spot, or enjoying a round of golf. Through both his words and his example, Charlie encouraged his children to work hard, live with integrity, and strive to become the very best versions of themselves.

Of all the titles Charlie held throughout his life, perhaps none brought him greater joy than “Papa.” His grandchildren were an extraordinary source of pride and happiness. He delighted in watching them grow, celebrated their accomplishments, and treasured each milestone as his family continued to grow. To them, he was a constant and loving presence—a source of wisdom, encouragement, laughter, and unmistakable pride.

Charlie’s faith was not simply something he professed; it was woven into the way he lived. He treasured his years at Geer Memorial Baptist Church, where he faithfully invested countless hours teaching Sunday School and organizing youth trips. In later years, he found a cherished church home at Rock Springs Baptist Church. Throughout his life, his faith remained a steady source of strength and direction, evident in his service to others, his devotion to family, and the values by which he lived.

Charlie is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn C. Carter; his children: Angie Carter Sheriff (Ben), John David Carter (Caroline), and Christopher Franklin Carter (Meg); his grandchildren: Braxton Sheriff (Laura), Colton Sheriff (Mackenzie), Jackson Carter, Cate Carter, Eliza Carter, Will Carter, Mary Isaac Carter, and Sarah Carter; his great-grandchild, Parker Sheriff, and another great-grandson on the way; and his brother, Tommy Carter (Melinda).

He also leaves behind his close friend and cousin, Carlisle Kinard and his wife, Carolyn; “The Swamp Brothers”; and a wide circle of extended family, colleagues, former students, and friends whose lives were made richer by knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Frank Carter and Carolyn K. Carter.

The Carter family will receive friends on Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Robinson Funeral Home – Powdersville Road, 1425 Powdersville Road, Easley, SC 29642.

A funeral service celebrating Charlie’s life will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Rock Springs Baptist Church, 201 Rock Springs Road, Easley, SC 29642. Burial will follow at Robinson Memorial Gardens, 1425 Powdersville Road, Easley, SC 29642.

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home & Crematory – Powdersville Road, Easley.