Harry Carter

Funeral Services for Harry Carter will be held Sunday, June 28, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. from McClain-Hays Chapel with Dr. Dan Howard and Rev. Mack Alford officiating. Interment will follow in the Cedarlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday, June 28, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. until service time at McClain-Hays.

Mr. Harry was born May 9, 1931, Noxapater, Mississippi. He graduated from Noxapater High School, where he excelled in football and basketball. After high school he served in the United States Navy from May 1951 until April 1955. Harry was on active duty during the Korean War, where he served on the U.S.S. Pittsburg.

In 1951 Harry married Ruth Richie from Philadelphia. They celebrated 68 years together until her death in 2020. They had one son, Jeff Carter.

After being discharged in 1955, Mr. Carter enrolled in the vocational curriculum at East Central Junior College. Harry later attended Mississippi State University where he earned a Bachelors and a Masters Degree in Vocational Education. After completing his studies at Miss. State, he was employed by Cleveland Public School District as the Industrial Arts Instructor. In 1961 Mr. Carter created the first Vocational Department at Philadelphia High School. While at Philadelphia, he taught Industrial Arts Shop, Mechanical Drawing, and Diversified occupation classes. Many years later Harry became the first director of the Philadelphia-Neshoba Vocational Center. Many young people in Neshoba came to appreciate his wisdom, knowledge, patience, and kindness that he had for the students.

Mr. Carter was a devoted member of First Baptist church. He served as Deacon and on many committees at the church. Harry was the “Mr. Fix-It” at church for many years.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, William J. and Ruby Johnson Carter; wife, Ruth Richie Carter; and brother, Johnson Carter.

Harry is survived by son, Jeff Carter, and a host of friends and many former students.

Pall bearers will be James Chaney, Doug Johnson, Billy Land, Matt Lott, Scott Stokes, and Sam Tingle.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made in memory of Harry Carter to the Youth Ministry at First Baptist Church in Philadelphia or a charity of your choice.