| Date of Birth | August 5, 1922 |
| Passed Away | October 18, 2013 |
| Place of Residence | Alfred/Almond |
| Home State | NY |
WAYNE H. CARTER
ALFRED/ALMOND-Wayne H. Carter, Professor Emeritus of Floriculture at Alfred State College, died Friday (October 18, 2013) at the age of 91 at the Bath V.A. Medical Center.
Born August 5, 1922 in Industry, PA, he was the youngest son of Ray Josiah and Ada Vine Carter, and residing in Waterford, PA for most of his childhood. On June 16, 1945 he married his high school sweetheart, and the love of his life, the late D. Edna (Nye) Carter. Wayne is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Douglas (Kathleen) Barber of Bradenton, FL, Mrs. Dean (Patricia) Humbert of Almond, one son, Ray E. (Christina) Carter of Williamsport, PA, seven grandchildren, Krista (James) Knowles of Round Hill, VA, Kevin Barber of Richmond, VA, Siri (David) Burin of Greer, SC, Cherity (Timothy) Allen of Almond, Brian, Lindsay and Michael Carter of Williamsport, PA; and six great-grandchildren, Ryan, Harrison, Elle, Renee, Eva and Austin Carter. Besides his parents and wife, he was also predeceased by his brother, Charles Carter of Erie, PA and his sister, Thelma Taylor of Waterford, PA.
Wayne attended Edinboro State College before entering the Army in 1943. Through the Army Specialized Training Program, he then attended Antioch College and Purdue University. He served as a Sergeant in the Infantry in the European Theater and was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, the Expert Infantry Badge, the Good Conduct Ribbon, the World War II Victory Medal, the American Theatre Ribbon and the Purple Heart. After discharge from the Army he attended Pennsylvania State University, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in Horticulture. He attended the University of Buffalo and earned a master’s degree in Floriculture at the University of Illinois. He was a member of Phi Kappa Phi, National Honor Society, Pi Allpha Xi, Floriculture Honor Society, Phi Eta Sigma, Freshmen Honor Society and Chi Gamma Iota, National Veterans Honorary.
In 1953 Wayne and Edna moved to “Diaper Hill” in Alfred where he began teaching at Alfred State College as Professor and later Chairperson of the floriculture department at Alfred State College. In 1966 he originated the first Floriculture Flower Show and Open House at Alfred State College which continued annually for several years. Retiring in 1978 from teaching, Wayne operated a small engine sales and repair business, Ariens of Alfred-Almond, from his home in Almond.
Always active in the community, Wayne was a member and past elder of the Union University Church of Alfred, a lifetime member of the Andover Lodge No. 558, F & AM, of which he was a Past Master and Past District Deputy Grand Master, a member and Past Patron of the Kanakadea Chapter No. 626, OES in Alfred. In 1998 he received the Daniel O’Keefe Memorial award for dedicating over 900 hours of service to the Comstock Hospice.
Through all his accomplishments Wayne will be remembered for his abiding faith, many lasting friendships, and the everlasting love he held for his wife and family.
There will be no calling hours. A memorial service may be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Union University Church, 29 N. Main St., Alfred, NY 14802 or to Comstock Hospice, 1225 W. State St., Olean, NY 14760.
Arrangements are with the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main St., Hornell.
Online condolences or remembrances of Wayne are welcomed at www.bishopandjohnsonfuneralhome.com.
A wonderful and gentle man who is missed by many – a great family friend who will never be forgotten. A plant that he gave me a couple of years ago is sitting in my living room and thriving – it is my “Mr.Carter” plant.
Wayne was a delightful teaching colleague during his years at Alfred State College. He was a dedicated teacher and excellent mentor for countless students. Wayne was part of “the greatest generation” and he will live on in the memories of his family and many friends.
My grandfather has always and will always be a huge inspiration in my life and driving force to become the best person I can be. His life will be forever remembered and celebrated. I would really enjoy hearing the stories and memories held by those outside the family. Please feel free to share them on here or email me at mjc5154@gmail.com.
My husband Ruben will always remember Wayne as a well respected man in the Mason community. He attended his 3rd degree ceremony at the Auburn N.Y. Lodge. He was a beloved neighbor and friend to the Leathersich family and will be greatly missed.
Mr. Carter was a man I have always held in high regard. A man full of integrity, honesty, mercy and grace. As one of our greatest generation he gave so much for his country, but was so humble he didn’t see himself as the true hero that he was. A few years ago I asked him if I could interview him for a local publication that was going to highlight veterans that year. He wanted nothing published but I was blessed that he shared his story with me. He never wore his war wounds like a crown and if you didn’t know him well you may never have known of their existence.
My memories are the Tuesday Night Bowling League – chasing Kay’s then boyfriend around the apple trees with the 49 Pontiac – watching Gator dribble the basketball with his feet (like a soccer ball) after shooting hoops upstairs in the barn, as Ray confidently proclaimed – Watch me shoot this ball right through the dog door (Spice would enter through). Drawing his foot back and delivering the ball right in the middle of a series of windows about 4 foot above and 5 foot to the left of the target – shattering many panes. Even with these events – Mr. Carter let Ray live – a true sign of his mercy.
Hanging out with Pat and Ray – the cookies and the always calm peace of the Carter household. Mr. Carter’s smile, and quick wit stick in my brain.
Men like Mr. Carter are difficult to find today and there are none that have accomplished more in terms of affecting the direction of so many lives.
Brent Reynolds
Sending our thoughts and prayer to all family members of your loss, and know that Wayne was a great friend over the years.
Wayne was a very good friend to both Jud and Margaret Stearns. He was loyal in picking up Jud for “youth group” coffee.
And, Margaret also enjoyed his caring and involvement in their lives.
For Dave and I, Wayne was a part of our church life every Sunday. He remained cheerful and positive in the face of many trials. We will miss his wry humor and his good presence.
He will be part of all of us for eternity. With compassion, Jan and Dave Porter
Our thoughts and prayers are with the you. Stub and Janice
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. We have many fond memories of Wayne and Edna and are happy that they are together again.
I didn’t know Wayne Carter that well. His son has been my friend, most of my life. I haven’t forgotten that Wayne helped me when I was in one of my jams. In Laurie’s Remembrance one point especially stood out for me. She said something like “we look at a man like Wayne and we want to be more gracious because we have been touched by his graciousnees”. It’s pretty easy to be grateful for Wayne Carter and maybe to be a bit more kind because of him.