Rufus Carter, 85 of Jacksonville, NC went to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 29, 2022. Born in Pikeville, North Carolina on July 6, 1936 to the late Rufus Larkin and Lizzie Dail Carter. Also, preceding him in death were his brothers, FC, Bud and George Carter; Sisters, Clare Snead, Annie Ruth North and Vivian Whaley. Rufus is survived by his loving wife, Joyce, of more than 64 years; 3 children, Vic (Wendy) Carter, Anita (Bernie) Mayer, Hope (Richard) Fiorvanti; Grandchildren, Perry (Kallie) Cole, Chasity (Dalton) Cordts, Derek (Ashley) Fiorvanti, Brandon (Katie) Mayer & Casey (Ashley) Carter; Great Grand Children, Justin, Joshua & Jordan Cordts, Aija & Bodhi Cole, Kendall, Lucy, Carter & Everly Mayer & Nash Fiorvanti; Brothers, Jimmy, James and Jerry Carter and Sister, Leda Ray. Rufus served in the Army and Army Reserves for over 12 years and retired from Civil Service on Camp Lejeune having worked for over 23 years, in 1989. Rufus loved to work with his son at Carter’s Auto Sales from 1990 with his son until he retired in 2017. He continued to work alongside his son and several of his grandchildren at Marine Auto Mart for many years. He always loved a good project whether it was working on houses or tinkering with lawnmowers. Working was his favorite hobby! He was the Founder and President of Coastal Carolina Bluegrass Association and Manager of New River Gospel Band. A Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00pm on Tuesday, February 1, 2022 at Johnson Funeral Home, 2685 Henderson Drive, Jacksonville, NC 28546. A Graveside, Celebration of Life, will start at 3:00pm on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at Onslow Memorial Park, 3280 Richlands Hwy, Jacksonville, NC 28540 In lieu of flowers the family kindly request you donate to the Onslow Community Outreach, Inc. onslowco.org Please, share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on “Share-A-Memory” tab. Arrangements are in the care of Johnson Funeral Home, Jacksonville Chapel.