Larry Carte, aged 73, of Williamsburg, KY, passed away on January 9, 2024, at the V.A. Medical Center in Lexington. Born on January 27, 1950, in Charleston, West Virginia, to the late Ralph T. and Magdalene Williams Carte.

 

Larry, a dedicated individual, served as a member and former Pastor of Locust Grove Baptist Church and attended Buffalo Missionary Baptist Church. In 2017, he served as Master of Williamsburg Masonic Lodge #490 and held the esteemed position of Grand Commander Knights Templar of Kentucky in 2016 & 2017. His commitment extended to various organizations, including Bluegrass #104 York Rite College, where he was a member, and past governor of York Rite College #104. Larry was also associated with the Centurion, a 32nd-degree Scottish Rite Lexington Valley, and a member of Williamsburg Commandry #50.

 

A proud graduate of Dupont High School Class of 1967 in Belle, West Virginia, Larry continued his education, earning degrees from Cumberland College in 1977 and Southeastern Seminary Wake Forest, NC in 1980. He retired as a special education teacher from Whitley County High School and found joy in officiating ballgames and indulging in his love for sports. An ordained minister, he served churches in North Carolina, West Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Larry, a Vietnam War veteran, served honorably in the U.S. Marines.

 

Larry is survived by his son, Ralph T. Carte II (Opelia Felipe), daughter Tory Suter (Clifton), grandchildren Kara Conley, Channing Carte, and Kason Bortz, as well as step-grandchildren Annalisa Suter, Emmanuel Suter, and Larriuce Felipe. He is also survived by his sister Wanda Smith (Joe), brothers Tom Carte, and Mark Carte (Debbie), along with several nieces, nephews, and a host of relatives and friends.

 

A funeral service was held at Ellison Funeral Home on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 1:00 pm, where Bro. Vernon Jones and Bro. Carl Jones officiated. Interment followed at Highland Park Cemetery Ellison Addition. Visitation was scheduled for Friday, January 12, 2024, at 5:00 pm at the funeral home, where Williamsburg Masonic Lodge #490 conferred Masonic Last Rites at 7:00 pm.

 

A memorial service in honor of Larry Carte was held at Witcher Baptist Church in Belle, West Virginia, on January 27, 2024. Larry’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

 

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Knights Templar Holy Land Pilgrimage Grand Commandery of KY P.O. Box 481, Williamsburg, KY 40769.