Gene’s life began on Aug. 15, 1931, in Dowagiac, the son of Clarence and Ruth (Phillippi) Carter.

Gene, 79, of Athens, Tenn., formerly of Dowagiac, was united in marriage to the former Marilyn Zelner, who survives in Athens.

Gene worked as an over the road truck driver, but was best known as the band leader of the Starlighters.

Gene’s band was well known and in demand for many years in the area.

His loving family includes: his wife, Marilyn Carter of Athens;, children, Terry Carter of Hawthorne, Fla., June (Larry) Keen of Athens, Penny MacNeal of Cassoplis, Gina Carter of Athens, Nick (Julie) Carter of Benton Harbor, Aimee Warner of Athens, Wendee (Marty) Tackett of Sweetwater, Tenn., and Amber Carter of Athens; grandchildren, Eric Sullivan, Steven Sullivan, Jessica Underdown, Nicole MacNeal, Jamie Amos, Jhodi Carter, Kodee Carter, Kyle Prescott, Matt Warner, Brooke Warner, Dustin Tackett, Chelsea Tackett, Allissa Tackett, Nathan Tackett and Hannah Tackett; great-grandchildren, Nobellee Sullivan, Evie Sullivan, Megan Sullivan, Austin Sullivan, Jayden Sullivan, Tiffany Newcomer, Trevor Newcomer, Bradley Carter, Kaitlin Carter and Gavin Amos; and sister, Patricia Jessup of Dowagiac.

Gene passed away on Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010, at his home.

He is preceded in death by a grandchild, Chase Carter, and brother, Donald Carter.

His family will receive friends on Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Yazel and Clark Chapel, where his funeral service will be held on Thursday at 11 a.m. led by Pastor Jim Tippin.

He will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to the family in care of Marilyn Carter.

Please sign her guestbook and leave a memory of Gene at www.yazel-clark.com.