Steve "Bubba" Carter

Steve (Bubba) Carter, passed away July 24, 2013 in Fort Smith, AR, surrounded by his family and friends. He was born on April 4, 1951 in Fort Smith to Cody Calvin and Minnie Belle Carter, who have predeceased him.  He was an active member of First Free Will Baptist Church in Poteau, OK, where he was a member of the Church Band.  He was employed in auto sales at J. Pauley Toyota for many years.

A 1969 graduate of Northside High School, he was a star athlete in football; winning  State Championships in 1967 & 1968.  He also excelled in track holding Arkansas high school records for many years.  Steve was inducted this year, along with his brothers, David & Roger, into the Northside Athletic Hall of Honor.  He went Arkansas Tech, where he continued his athletic career; competing as a sprinter in the U.S. Olympic Trials in Billings, MT in 1972.  He received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Arkansas Tech in 1973.  He was a volunteer for the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs for many years as a football and baseball coach.

In the early 1980’s, Steve & friends, formed the band, Mr. Cabbage Head & The Screamin’ Radishes, which became one of the premier bands in the Southwest.  The band is still together today, giving of their time and talents to several charitable organizations, and are well known as a true friend of the community of Fort Smith and surrounding areas.  The band has been highly recognized and has received many awards for their charitable work.  Bubba will be truly missed as the “front man” of this great band.

Of all his accomplishments, however, Steve would tell you that his greatest were his two sons and being “Pa Bubba” to his two precious granddaughters.

Steve is survived by two sons, Chris Carter and wife Tama, and Brad Carter; two granddaughters, Kalyn Carter and Mattie Carter; and the mother of his children, Pam Carter.   He is also survived by three sisters, Lila Carter Mackey and husband Gene, Becky Carter Walker and husband Chip, and Donna Carter Payne and husband David; three brothers, Richard Carter and wife Saundra, David Carter, and Roger Carter and wife, Cheryl; aunts, uncles, several cousins, nieces, nephews, and more friends than anyone could hope for a lifetime.

Service will be held at Community Bible Church of Fort Smith, 9201 S. Dallas St,  11 am, Monday, July 29, 2013 with Barry Reel and Jerry Jennings officiating.  Burial will be at Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Ft. Smith.

Bubba will lie in state at Evans & Miller Funeral Home in Poteau until Sunday afternoon.

Visitation will be 2-4 pm, Sunday at Fentress Funeral Home, Ft. Smith.