Bryson "Bud" Reed Carter

Bryson R. “Bud” Carter, 78, Gallipolis, Ohio passed on to his heavenly home January 10, 2018 from an acute illness following a valiant battle with a rare degenerative muscular disease, Inclusion Body Myositis. He was born December 21, 1939 in Quaker City, Ohio, son of the late Samuel Boyd and Elizabeth I. (Reed) Carter. He developed his love of agriculture working beside his grandfather on the family farm. He attended Washington High School where he played baritone in the band. Bud attended Ohio State University and it was there on the Oval that he met young, fun-loving Mary Kathryn “Kay” James. The two married September 8, 1962 in her hometown of Parkersburg, West Virginia, officiated by her brother Rev. Ronald James. Upon graduation with a Bachelors of Science in Agriculture from Ohio State University in 1963, the two chose Gallia County to settle and raise a family. The couple were blessed to raise two children: Kevin, born February 1966 and Stephanie, born October 1967.

Bud served as a Gallia County Extension Agent in 4-H from 1963-1965 and as Agriculture Agent from 1965-1985. Bud enjoyed these positions and made it a family affair as Mary Kay and the kids were often assigned tasks during field demonstration projects and at the county fair. Many Sunday afternoon drives ended up visiting at a family farm where the kids learned about animals and chased kittens in the hay lofts. His daughter describes being raised “not on a farm, but on everyone in the county’s farm”. During his time in the county, he also received a Master’s Degree from Ohio State University in 1973 and pursued post-graduate studies in Agriculture Economics toward a doctorate in 1986. Educating himself and others was a tenant in his life which he instilled in his own children, who both have advanced degrees and serve as educators in their own fields of expertise – Kevin, in Water Quality and Stephanie, in Physical Therapy.

In 1986, he became Farm Management Specialist of the District working out of Jackson, Ohio and held this position until his retirement May 1, 1995. Bud’s service extended into the religious community as a member of Grace United Methodist Church. He and Mary Kay were founding members of the God Squad Sunday school class, where he also served as president. Always interested in mentoring youth, he then taught Senior High Sunday School and was instrumental in founding “The Cellar Program” for the youth ministry in 1980. He served as Head Usher in the church for many years where he broke tradition by inviting women to serve as ushers. Championing education, he enjoyed serving on the Bossard Memorial Library Board during the time it expanded to its current location on 2nd Avenue. Immediately after retirement he consulted in farm management and taught part-time for A.B.L.E. at Buckeye Hills Career Center, Rio Grande, Ohio.

In retirement he enjoyed several hobbies.  He restored a 1939 Case tractor and plow used on his family’s farm and drove it proudly in many 4th of July parades with his grandson, Derek. His love of tractors was also shared by his son-in-law, Erik and grandson, Carter, who has driven his own Case tractor in many parades. Bud became an Amateur Radio enthusiast and enjoyed using these skills to work with club members and local authorities in the emergency management system. The community recognized his service with many awards and he was proud to serve as Grand Marshal of the 4th of July Parade in 1999 and to be recognized during the 50th Anniversary of the Gallia County Jr. Fair. 

Bud and Mary Kay were both animal lovers which is shared by their granddaughter Kathryn. They especially loved and had many family cats which led to their generous support of the Spay and Neuter Assistance Program of Gallia County. Bud’s memberships included: Ohio Cooperative Extension Agents Association; Alpha Gamma Sigma and Epsilon Sigma Phi; Gallia County Farm Bureau; Ohio State University Retirees Association; J. I. Case Collectors Association, Inc; The American Radio Relay League and The Ohio Valley Amateur Radio Club.

Bud and Mary Kay spent over 53 years in marriage demonstrating amazing teamwork in service to family, friends, community, and God until she preceded him in death June 4, 2016. He is also preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jerroll Carter.  

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his son, Kevin Scott Carter and daughter, Stephanie (Erik) Kelley; three grandchildren: Derek Diaz Carter, Carter Erik Kelley and Kathryn Stephanie Kelley; sister, Ann (Don) Simeral, Quaker City, Ohio as well as a host of adoring nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted 12:00 Noon Monday, January 15, 2018 in Grace United Methodist Church, Gallipolis, Ohio with long-time friend Rev. Bob Powell, officiating. Burial will follow in Mound Hill Cemetery, Gallipolis, Ohio. Friends and family may call Sunday 4:00-6:00 PM at the McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Wetherholt Chapel, Gallipolis, Ohio and one hour prior to services at the church on Monday.                .

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donation consideration to:

Grace United Methodist Church Memorial Fund 600 Second Ave Gallipolis, Ohio 45631.

Online registry is available via www.mccoymoore.com