Roland Wilkes Carter, 95, of Columbus, MS passed away on Sunday, September 24, 2023, at Baptist Memorial Hospital - GT, Columbus, MS.

A visitation for family and friends is planned for Thursday, September 28, 2023, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS. A celebration of life will follow at 10:00 AM with Rev. Sammy Crawford and Bro. Tommy Gillion officiating. Interment with military honors will immediately follow at Memorial Gardens, Columbus, MS with Lowndes County Funeral Home, Columbus, MS directing.

Mr. Carter was born September 20, 1928, in Louisville, Mississippi to the late Kilburn and Pearl Carter of Louisville, MS.  He was a 1946 graduate of Louisville High School of Louisville, MS, and a 1952 graduate from Mississippi State University.  Mr. Carter was drafted into the Korean War while he was in college in January 1951 with the Army National Guard 31st Division better known as the Dixie Division.  Mr. Carter married the former Jean Marshall in New Albany, MS on March 18, 1953. He worked for General Adjustment Bureau for many years until his retirement.  Mr. Carter was a long-time member of Fairview Baptist Church. He loved working at Wednesday Night Suppers and Vacation Bible School at Fairview Baptist Church.  He was affectionately known as the Kool-Aid man during Vacation Bible School. "Grandaddy" was the title he was most proud of.  He enjoyed all Mississippi State sports, ringing his cowbell, camping, and traveling with his grandchildren and his camping buddies.

Mr. Carter was preceded in death by his loving wife of 68 years- Jean Carter, and his sister- Dorothy Ann Clark. He is survived by his son, Glenn Carter (Ginga) of Columbus, MS, his daughter, Karen Bowers of Columbus, MS; 3 grandchildren, Justin Carter (Jenny), Melissa Carter Johnson (Sean), and Malory Bowers Stratton (Alex); 6 great-grandchildren, Hollis, Mabry, Wilkes, Aydan, Lawson, and Kaiden; sister-in-law, Barbara Lott of Petal, MS, and countless friends.

Pallbearers will be Justin Carter, Alex Stratton, Clayton Anderson, Sammy Carter, D.R. McElhenney, and Bob Crigler.

A special thanks to the sweet workers at Trinity Nursing Home, Baptist Hospice, and 3rd floor nurses for their love and care during his last days.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Fairview Baptist Church, 127 Airline Road, Columbus, MS 39702.