Jesse Lee Carter Jr. (Junior), 70, passed away peacefully in his home on the morning of March 29, 2025. He was surrounded by his family and dearly-loved friends. He was born June 3, 1954
Affectionately nicknamed the “Catman,” Junior will be remembered by those closest to him for his kind heart and loving spirit. His love for Merle Haggard, a ride on a motorcycle, working on his motor grader and his many dogs was surpassed only by his love for his large family, his nieces-turned-daughters, and most of all by his love for his wife of forty-five years, Lesia. Junior was also generous and friendly — he never met a stranger and he never missed an opportunity to help someone in need. He dearly loved every one of his friends, and made sure to tell them each time he saw them.
After having survived more than most in the way of house fires, kidney transplants and struggling through a long battle with cancer, his eternal rest is a well-deserved one.
In addition to his wife Lesia, Junior is also survived by his daughters Kelly James (Keith) and Billie Scearce (Danny), his brothers Frankie Carter, Rodney Carter and Tim Carter (Judy), his sisters Mae Dean Simmons, Sylvia Bryant (Ronnie) and Peggy Wade and his ten grandchildren and step-grandchildren; Kennedy Martin, Amelia Scearce, Aubrey Martin, Rachael Scearce, Molly Martin, Jessie Scearce, Julia Scearce, Holden Scearce, Kole James, and Sydney Woodlieff (Jacob). He is also survived by many well-loved nieces and nephews.
Junior was preceded in death by his parents Jesse and Elsie Carter, his brothers Tony Meeks, Doug Carter, Willie Gibson and JD Carter, and his sisters Faye Anderson and Deborah Donavant.
From the family to all our friends who have already been so kind to us: thank you for loving our Junior, and thank you for all the well wishes and love you’ve shared during this time. As a final farewell from the Catman, always remember me: “The CAT” “Capital ‘C,’ capital ‘A,’ capital ‘T,’ — that’s me.”
Memorial contributions may be made to Oak Grove Baptist Church, 4543 NC 772. Madison, NC 27025.
Colonial Funeral Home Stokes Chapel in Sandy Ridge is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.colonialfh.net
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