Marvin Lee Carter

Marvin Lee Carter, 61, born in Artesia, New Mexico on August 16, 1949 to Rufus Marvin Carter and Zelpha Lorene Grissom. Marvin Lee Carter came into this world and was raised in a Christian home. After attending primary school in Huntington Park California, he graduated from high school in Salem, Oregon in 1968.

Marvin Lee enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1968 and was proud to serve his country. He served eight years in the Marine Corps and an additional four years in the Air Force Active Reserve. A veteran of ground combat in Vietnam with the Marine Corps, he served as an Aviation Ordinance Technician and as a Military Policeman. He was stationed in Jacksonville, Florida, Yuma Arizona and Camp Pendleton California.

A father-to-son taught machinist, Marvin Lee learned best by working with his hands. He worked as a truck driver, a machinist, and a state employee who planned oversize and overweight loads for permits throughout the state of Texas. His father, Rufus Marvin Carter Jr. was extremely proud when Marvin Lee was certified as a Paramedic in the state of Texas. Marvin Lee’s past almost always concerned the road, and he was proud of owning a highly customized 1970 Challenger and an alcohol-fueled dragster.

As a member of the Elgin community, Marvin Lee was proud of his work as the Coordinator of the First Baptist Church of Elgin’s food pantry. For more than four years, under his efforts, the pantry expanded to include fans in the summers, blankets in the winters, clothes throughout the year, and toys and books for the children of the community.

Active in church activities, Marvin’s salvation was evident by his service and work for the church and the community. He enjoyed cooking, reading, and using the computer. He offered to help whenever anyone needed his skills with printing, transferring music and pictures, and developing written materials. His service in these areas was of immeasurable help to the church and the community.

Marvin Lee gained custody of his grandson Liam in 2005 and adopted Liam in 2008. Returning to Christ in 2004, Marvin Lee and Liam were baptized together in 2009. Marvin Lee’s spirit and essence were joined with the Lord on Monday, April 25, 2011.

He is survived by his sons, Jonathan Carter and Liam Carter, his mother, Zelpha Carter, his brother, Earnest Carter, sister-in-law, Cheryl Carter, nephew, Michael Carter, niece, April Carter, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or a donation to the First Baptist Church Food Pantry in Elgin.

Visitation was Thursday, April 28, 2011 from 6-8 PM at Providence-Jones Family Funeral Home in Elgin.
Funeral service was Friday, April 29, 2011 at 10:30 AM at First Baptist Church in Elgin.

Services are entrusted to Providence-Jones Family Funeral Home, Elgin.