Robert “Bob” Gene Carter Sr. was a West Virginia native, U.S. Army veteran, retired heavy equipment operator, and devoted family man. Born on July 7, 1941, in Oak Hill, he spent much of his life close to his West Virginia roots. Bob served ten years in the Army and later worked for more than 30 years in surface mining.
Away from work, he loved antique cars, bowling, walking, watching the West Virginia Mountaineers, and spending time with his family. He was married to Sandra Sheehan Carter for 59 years. Bob died on January 28, 2022, at age 80 after battling dementia.
Profile Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Robert “Bob” Gene Carter Sr. |
| Known As | Bob Carter |
| Date of Birth | July 7, 1941 |
| Place of Birth | Oak Hill, West Virginia, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Parents | William Ray Carter and Ruth E. Harmon Carter |
| Occupation | Heavy equipment operator |
| Industry | Surface mining |
| Military Service | U.S. Army veteran |
| Years in Army | 10 years |
| Career Length | More than 30 years in surface mining |
| Wife | Sandra Sheehan Carter |
| Marriage Length | 59 years at the time of his death |
| Children | Robert Carter Jr., Charles Carter, Deborah Carter Harding |
| Hobbies | Antique cars, car shows, walking, bowling, family time, watching the West Virginia Mountaineers |
| Car Club | Co-founder of Mountaineer Cruisers |
| Date of Death | January 28, 2022 |
| Age at Death | 80 |
| Health Condition | Dementia |
| Final Resting Place | Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens |
Who Was Robert Gene Carter?
Robert Gene Carter, often called Bob, was a longtime resident of Oak Hill, West Virginia. He was known as a family man, Army veteran, surface mining worker, and antique car lover. Bob spent more than 30 years working in surface mining and later retired as a heavy equipment operator.
Away from work, he enjoyed simple activities, including walking, bowling, watching the West Virginia Mountaineers, and spending time with his family. He also loved antique automobiles and attended many car shows. Bob died on January 28, 2022, at age 80 after a well-fought battle with dementia in his home state.
Early Life, Age, and Family Background
Bob was born in Oak Hill on July 7, 1941, and grew up with strong roots in southern West Virginia. He was the son of William Ray Carter and Ruth E. Harmon Carter of Mount Hope. Bob came from a large family that included several brothers and sisters.
His siblings included Richard, Ronald, James, Thomas Wayne, Glenna, Carol, and Barbara. Details about his schooling and early childhood were not included in his published obituary, so these parts of his life remain private. What is clear is that West Virginia remained important throughout his life, work, hobbies, marriage, and family years.
Robert Gene Carter’s U.S. Army Service
Before his long working career in surface mining, Bob served in the United States Army. His obituary described him as a ten-year Army veteran, showing that military service formed an important part of his life. Public details about his rank, unit, assignments, or exact years of service were not provided.
For that reason, it is best not to guess about those parts of his military record. His decade in the Army can be recognized as a meaningful period of service. After leaving military life, Bob returned to civilian work and built a career that lasted for more than thirty years.
Career as a Heavy Equipment Operator
Bob spent more than 30 years working in surface mining, an industry closely linked with the history of West Virginia. He worked as a heavy equipment operator and eventually retired from that career. Operating heavy machinery in mining requires attention and practical skill, but his obituary does not give details about the machines he operated or the companies that employed him.
His time in the field, however, shows that mining was a major part of his working life. After decades on the job, retirement gave Bob more time for his family, favorite sports, walking, bowling, antique cars, and local car shows.
Robert Gene Carter’s Wife, Sandra Sheehan Carter
Sandra Sheehan Carter was Bob’s longtime wife and a deeply important person in his life. At the time of his death in 2022, the couple had been married for 59 years. Their marriage covered nearly six decades of family life, work, retirement, and changing generations. Together, Bob and Sandra raised three children and later welcomed grandchildren and great-grandchildren into their growing family.
The obituary remembered Sandra as his loving wife, reflecting the place she held in his life. While many details of their relationship remained private, their 59-year marriage stands as a central part of Bob’s personal story and legacy.
Robert Gene Carter’s Children and Family Life
Bob and Sandra Carter had three children: two sons and one daughter. Their sons were Robert Carter Jr. and Charles Carter, while their daughter was Deborah Carter Harding. The obituary also named Paula as Robert Jr.’s wife, Sarah Prather as Charles’s companion, and Greg Fernett as Deborah’s companion. Bob’s family held an important place in his life, and spending time with relatives was listed among his favorite activities.
Over the years, his immediate family grew to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His role as a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather became an important part of the life remembered after his death.
Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren
Bob had an extended family that included several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His obituary named grandchildren Crystal and Ben Wolfe, Casandra Carter, Gregory Carter, Courtney Shepherd, Matthew Carter, Brianna and Charles Carter Jr., Brittany Carter, and Kayla Dilley. His great-grandchildren included Madison and Tyler Garrett, Maxton Carter, Owen Wayne, Kohlson Harding, Brantley Carter, and Rae Lynn Carter.
These younger generations were an important part of the family that remembered him after his death. The long list also shows how much the Carter family had grown during Bob’s lifetime. Family time remained one of the activities he especially enjoyed in later years.
Robert Gene Carter’s Brothers and Sisters
Bob grew up as part of a Carter family. His parents were William Ray Carter and Ruth E. Harmon Carter. Several of his siblings died before him, including his brothers Richard, Ronald, and James Carter, as well as his sister Glenna Carter. His surviving siblings included his brother Thomas Wayne Carter and his sisters Carol and Barbara.
His obituary also mentioned the Georgia Carter family, along with several nieces and nephews. Although little public information is available about his relationships with each sibling, the number of relatives named shows the family circle connected to his life in West Virginia.
Love for Antique Cars and Car Shows
Antique automobiles were a major interest for Bob. They became one of the hobbies most closely linked with his later life. He built a collection of antique cars and took part in car shows. His vehicles earned a variety of trophies and awards, making the hobby a source of enjoyment and achievement.
Car shows also gave Bob a chance to spend time with other people who shared his interest in older vehicles. His obituary specifically highlighted this passion, showing how meaningful it was to him. Alongside family, sports, walking, and bowling, antique cars brought fun and community into his life.
The Mountaineer Cruisers Car Club
Bob’s interest in antique automobiles led him to help start the Mountaineer Cruisers car club. He founded the group with Buddy Cales and Charlie Rogers, according to his obituary. Both men were remembered in connection with the club, and Buddy Cales had died before Bob. The Mountaineer Cruisers gave Bob a way to enjoy classic vehicles and take part in the car community.
His involvement went beyond owning cars because he helped create a group around an interest. Combined with his attendance at car shows and his award-winning collection, the club became a memorable part of Bob’s life outside work.
Hobbies and Life in West Virginia
Bob enjoyed a life built around family, familiar hobbies, and his West Virginia community. Family time was important to him, but he had several personal interests. He liked watching the West Virginia Mountaineers, showing his support for one of the state’s best-known sports programs. Walking and bowling were among his hobbies.
Antique automobiles added another important interest and connected him with car shows and the Mountaineer Cruisers club. These activities offer a simple picture of Bob away from his military service and mining career. He enjoyed staying active, following sports, appreciating old cars, and being around people he loved.
Robert Gene Carter’s Battle With Dementia
During the latter part of his life, Bob faced dementia. His obituary described his experience as a well-fought battle, suggesting a difficult period for him and those caring for him. In his final three months, he received care from Stone Rise Nursing Home in Charleston. His granddaughter Crystal Carter and her mother, Becky, were also thanked for the care they provided.
The family expressed thanks to the Oak Hill Police Department and Chief Whisman for giving Bob rides so he could safely reach home when he needed help. These acknowledgments show the support that surrounded him during a challenging time.
Robert Gene Carter’s Death at Age 80
Robert “Bob” Gene Carter Sr. died on January 28, 2022, after his battle with dementia. He was 80 years old. His death closed a life that had included ten years of Army service, more than three decades in surface mining, 59 years of marriage, and many years spent enjoying family and antique cars. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Ray and Ruth Carter, three brothers, and one sister.
Bob left behind his wife Sandra, three children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, surviving siblings, nieces, nephews, and other relatives. His obituary reflects a man surrounded by a large, caring family circle.
Funeral and Final Resting Place
Bob’s funeral service was scheduled for February 2, 2022, at Tyree Funeral Home in Oak Hill, West Virginia. His family planned to gather at 10 a.m. to celebrate his life, while friends could call from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. The funeral service was set to begin at 1 p.m. After the service, Bob was to be laid to rest at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens.
Honorary pallbearers included Doug Dancy, Dennis Moore, Gregory Carter, Matthew Carter, Charles Carter Jr., and Tyler Garrett. The arrangements gave relatives and friends an opportunity to gather, remember Bob, and honor his long life together.
Robert Gene Carter’s Legacy
Bob’s legacy can be seen in the parts of the life he built over eight decades. He served ten years in the Army, worked more than 30 years in surface mining, and shared 59 years of marriage with Sandra. He also helped build a large family that included children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Outside work, his love of antique cars created lasting memories through shows, trophies, and the Mountaineer Cruisers car club. The thanks offered to caregivers, relatives, hospice staff, and local police also show that a wider community surrounded him. His story is one of service, family, work, and connection.
Final Thoughts
Robert Gene Carter’s life was not defined by fame. Instead, it was shaped by work, military service, family relationships, and the hobbies that brought him happiness. From his West Virginia roots to his years in the Army and surface mining, Bob built a life around commitment and community. His marriage to Sandra lasted 59 years, and his family grew across several generations.
Antique cars, Mountaineers games, bowling, and walking filled his free time with familiar pleasures. After his death at age 80, relatives and friends remembered the many roles he held: husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, worker, and car enthusiast.
(FAQs)
Who was Robert Gene Carter?
Robert “Bob” Gene Carter Sr. was an American Army veteran and retired heavy equipment operator from West Virginia. He worked for more than 30 years in surface mining and was also known for his love of antique automobiles.
When was Robert Gene Carter born?
Robert Gene Carter was born on July 7, 1941, in Oak Hill, West Virginia. His parents were William Ray Carter and Ruth E. Harmon Carter.
Who was Robert Gene Carter’s wife?
Bob was married to Sandra Sheehan Carter. At the time of his death in January 2022, they had been married for 59 years and had built a large family together.
How many children did Robert Gene Carter have?
Robert and Sandra Carter had three children. Their sons are Robert Carter Jr. and Charles Carter, while their daughter is Deborah Carter Harding. Bob also had several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
What did Robert Gene Carter do for a living?
Bob worked in surface mining for more than 30 years. He retired as a heavy equipment operator. Before his long mining career, he also served for ten years in the United States Army.
When did Robert Gene Carter die?
Robert Gene Carter died on January 28, 2022, at the age of 80 after a battle with dementia. His funeral was held at Tyree Funeral Home in Oak Hill, West Virginia, and his final resting place was Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens.
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