Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

September 16, 2026

John Lewis McCarter Jr, 84, passed away in September 2026. He was born in Clover, South Carolina, to John L. McCarter and Willie Mae McCarter.

John graduated from Clemson University with a history degree and later earned a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He began his professional career with the Greenville newspaper before building a long career as a management consultant.

John joined the United States Navy in 1964. He met Sue Barker while on a blind date in 1965. The two were married on September 25, 1966, in Charlotte, North Carolina. They first lived in Charleston, South Carolina, where John was stationed, then in New York, before making Charlotte their home in 1973. John and Sue shared nearly 60 years of marriage and built a life centered around their family.

John was an endlessly curious man and a lifelong learner. He loved reading and was a familiar face at the Morrison Regional Library, often settling into a chair with a book. At home, he surrounded himself with books and magazines and had a particular interest in history.

He was also an “idea man,” always eager to learn something new or take on another project. Over the years, his interests included beekeeping, kite flying, sailing, sailboarding, gardening, and becoming a Toastmaster. His love of gardening led him to study extensively and become a Master Gardener, a pursuit that combined his curiosity, patience, and enjoyment of the natural world. He co-wrote the e-book The Employers’s Guide to Recruiting on the Internet with his friend Ray Schreyer, enjoyed regular lunches with friends from church, and served as president of an Ormond family reunion, helping nurture and preserve the family’s connections across generations.

John had a passion for teaching and sharing what he knew. Whether with his own children, his grandchildren, high school students, or someone who simply wanted to learn, he was generous with his knowledge and his time.

Faith and community were important parts of John’s life. He was a longtime member of Selwyn Avenue Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, where he brought his children as they grew up and taught Sunday school for many years.

Above all, John loved his family. He was a devoted husband and father, and later a proud grandfather. He was there when his family needed him, ready to go to bat for his children and equally ready with a story, an idea, or a lesson to share. He was a gentle, caring man who never seemed to meet a stranger and nearly always had a story to tell.

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sue; his parents, John L. McCarter and Willie Mae McCarter; and his sister, Lois Smith.

He is survived by his three children, Laura Robert, Amy Satterfield (Michael), and Daniel McCarter (Rachel); and his six grandchildren, Virginia Robert, Sarah Robert, Summey Satterfield, Joseph Robert, Asher McCarter, and Eli McCarter.

He is also survived by his devoted sister, Salena Warlick; brother in-law Frank Smith; sister-in-law Kathy Sims (Pat); brother-in-law Charles Barker (Miranda); and many nieces and nephews, including Kent Warlick, Keith Warlick, Kim Corbett (William), Kyle Sims (Russ), Jenny Osentoski (Rick), Joe Sims (Lisa), Jake Sims (Patricia), Jane Melton (Brandon), Jessica Barker, Riley Barker, and Max Barker.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Terra Bella Cramer Mountain, who cared for John with kindness and compassion.

A service honoring John Lewis McCarter will be held at Selwyn Avenue Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, on September 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with a reception immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to Wounded Warrior Project, Habitat for Humanity, or VIA Health Partners Hospice.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.