Mr. Kenneth Ragan Carter, 79, of Morganton passed away Sunday, February 8, 2026 at UNC Health Blue Ridge in Morganton following a brief period of declining health.

Kenneth was born, October 20. 1946 in Burke County to the late Kenneth William Carter and Edith Clark Carter. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army, serving in Vietnam with the 701st Maintenance Battalion, 1st Infantry Division in 1968.

He was an active member of the Post 43 DAV and a faithful member of Lakeview Baptist Church of Valdese. In his spare time Ken enjoyed collecting toys & classic cars as well as attending toy shows, car shows & cruise-ins. He was a Studebaker & Chevrolet enthusiast. Ken enjoyed watching sports, rooting for the Tennessee Volunteers & supporting the Chanticleers of Coastal Carolina. Ken also enjoyed making his rounds around town visiting friends playing his favorite DooWhop songs. Ken found joy taking family trips to the beach where he liked to surf fish with his sons and watch the waves. He was a proud truck driver of 30 plus years and never shied from telling stories about life.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Sandy Carter, of the home; sons, Christopher Carter and wife Ashley of Drexel, and Jonathan Carter and wife Kristen of Nebo; grandchildren, Kaylee Carter, Cooper Carter, Avery Carter, Clara Stewart, Caroline Stewart, Jameson Crowder, and Kolter Carter. Also surviving are his K9 companions, Rocco and Lola.

A funeral service will be held 3:00PM Thursday, February 12, 2026 at Lakeview Baptist Church with the Rev. Kenny Baker officiating.

Interment will follow at Burke Memorial Park in Morganton.

The family will receive friends prior to the service, on Thursday from 2:00PM to 3:00PM at Lakeview Baptist Church.