Lt. Col. Randall O. Carter (Ret.), of Caneyville, passed away on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at Baptist Health Hardin in Elizabethtown. He was 85 years old. He was born in the Concord community on July 2, 1935, the son of Aden Josiah Carter and Bessie Fentress Carter. He received his early education in Grayson County.
LTC Carter attended the University of Kentucky where he received a BS Degree. While at UK he joined the US Army and obtained the Korean GI bill and, thereby, was able to complete his degree in agriculture. He later received a Master’s of Science degree from Virginia Tech. In 1961, he applied for and received a Regular Army commission and returned to the US Army for a career.
During his career, LTC Carter spent two years serving his country in Viet Nam during the conflict. He retired from the US Army in 1980.
He viewed his last three assignments as his greatest achievements which were: Investigator for the Inspector General of the Army at the Pentagon, Provost Marshal of the 101st Airborne Division and Fort Campbell and lastly, Senior Regular Army Advisor to the Commanding General of US Army Reserve Forces in Tennessee and Northern Alabama.
LTC Carter received many awards and declarations during his career including:
The Bronze Star w/ Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal w/ Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/ Palm and an Aircraft Crewmen Medal.
LTC Carter was a member of the Falls of Rough Baptist Church, the Falls of Rough VFW Post 3852, the American Legion Post 81, the Grayson County Cattlemen Association and the Grayson County Historical Society.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Aden J. Carter and Bessie Carter and his brother, James R. Carter “Jim.”
LTC Carter is survived by his three sons, David (Lisa), Daniel and Samuel Carter; his granddaughters, Crystal, Chelsea and Sarah; step-grandson, Samuel Jacob; three step-children, April, Clinton and Adam; his sister, Elverta Jo Fetty (Steve), nieces, nephews and many special cousins. His long time special friend and companion, Joyce Martin and his dedicated caregiver, Katy McHenry also survive.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at Caneyville Memorial Chapel in Caneyville with Bro. Phillip Crume officiating. Burial will be in Eskridge Cemetery at Falls of Rough. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until service time Wednesday at the Chapel.
All those who wish to honor and remember Mr. Carter at the visitation or funeral are required to wear a mask for the safety of all those in attendance.
Caneyville Memorial Chapel is both honored and privileged to be entrusted with the care of LTC Carter. Share your messages of condolence with the family of LTC Randall O. Carter and sign his virtual guestbook at www.caneyvillememorial.com.
