Joel William Carter quietly departed this life on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. He was born on November 26, 1932 in Americus, Georgia to the late Xury Bernard and Lizzie Mae Carter. In addition to his parents, he was proceeded in death by his wife, Louise Carter, his daughter, Shirley Carter, and sister, Sandra Smith.

He earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Florida State, his MS from the University of Tennessee, and his PhD from Texas A&M. He was an Officer in the United States Navy between his Masters and PhD. He had a long time career teaching Park Administration at Cal Poly, Pomona for 25 years, and then after retirement had an additional 20 years with H&R Block preparing taxes. He loved taking the family camping for their summers, traveling the world with Louise, and gardening and reading, and of course, watching Florida State play football!

He is survived by his children, Bonnie Culotta (Don), Michael Carter, Ken Parry (Cindy), and Diane Wilkinson (James), 12 grandchildren Donald Culotta, Beth Culotta, Cindy Paproki, Mikey Culotta, Sarah Culotta, Tess Frame, Kathryn Kempler, Ryan Wilkinson, Lane Wilkinson, Jeff Burman, Amanda Parry, and Kyle Parry, and 13 great grandchildren.

A graveside service for the family will be held Saturday , May 23, 2026 at 10 AM at Rose Hills Cemetery.