Reverend Max Wayne Carter, 89, of Eustis, ran into the arms of his Savior on Friday, December 8, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Thonotosassa, Florida, to E.C. and Lola Carter as the youngest of six boys. He moved to Eustis in 1967 from Apopka, Florida. Mr. Carter served in the National Guard from 1953-1959. He also had a passion for racing and was a race car driver for several years. Mr. Carter often talked about the glorious day on February 8, 1959, when he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, and his life was forever changed.
Upon moving to Eustis, Mr. Carter founded and was the Pastor of Praise Cathedral Church of God, Eustis where he faithfully served his congregation and community for 40 years until his retirement in 2007. During this period, he cherished his time with the Eustis Ministerial Association, coached Eustis Little League Baseball, and was a realtor for Coldwell Banker. He was one of the founding members of the Apopka Old Timers group for Apopka High School Alumni. Mr. Carter also did mission work in Jamaica, and was honored to perform countless numbers of weddings, funerals, baby dedications and baptisms.
Mr. Carter loved his family and attended as many sporting and school events as he possibly could for his grands and greats, of whom he was extremely proud. He enjoyed golfing, especially with his grandsons. Even during sickness, Reverend Carter’s kindness, love, quick wit, and humor continued to minister to nurses, doctors and staff who provided care. He is a member of Liberty Lighthouse Church of God, Mount Dora.
Mr. Carter is survived by his wife, Joyce King Carter, Eustis, FL; son, Eugene Carter, Tavares, FL; 3 daughters, Debra C. (Jerry) Rogers, Umatilla, FL, Linda Carter, Eustis, FL, Diana C. (Bill) Helton, Eustis, FL; 5 grandchildren, Kristi (the late Michael) Purvis, Jenna (Eddie) Johnson, Ryan (Rebecca) Moore, Trace (Erin) Helton, Carter (Hannah) Helton; 8 great-grandchildren, Henry, Hallee, Rylee, Jasmine, Leah, Eddie Lee, Max, and Evan. He is preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Juanita Carpenter Carter and beloved grandsons, Tyler Wayne Moore and Michael Purvis.
Services will be held at Harden Pauli Funeral Home in Eustis on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 1:00 PM. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Eustis. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:00 PM till 1:00 PM.
