Robert Allen (Al) Carter passed away on January 28, 2025 at home. He was 74 years old. Al was born in Tryon, North Carolina, and lived in several states before settling in Hampton, Va. He had lived in Ware Neck since 1977.
Al spent most of his life working in retail building materials in Gloucester and Richmond. Most recently he worked for Innovated Machine in Newport News. An avid volunteer for Gloucester Parks, Recreation and Tourism, Al officiated soccer, basketball and softball year-round for years. He coached for PRT and cherished the bonds with his and other youngsters of Gloucester. He also, in support of his wife, has assisted at just about every event since the 1980s. This shy guy liked to stay behind the scenes, but was always close by when needed.

Al’s greatest joy in life was his children; he adored them and spent every second possible with them. He was also a huge sports fan, both as a player of softball, volleyball, basketball and golf, and a spectator of his children’s and grandchildren’s many sports. He shared this love with his family and spent countless hours traveling to watch his kids play. Baseball was his favorite and he raised two generations of Yankee fans. Spending time with them in MLB parks whenever possible, making precious memories.

Al was preceded in death by his father, Allen E. Carter; his mother, Genelle Carter; his brothers, Bryan and Charles; his Pop, Calvin Rhea, and his grandson, Aidan Carter. Al is survived by his wife, Denise Rhea Carter; his children, Rosanna Cope (Joe) and Zachary Carter (Ashlee); his grandchildren, Quwas Carter, Brodie Carter, Mariner Cope, Brooklyn Car-ter and Luca Skayman; his sisters, Joyce Carter and Carol Carter; brothers, Keith Rhea (Lisa) and Donnie Rhea (Carol); nieces, Michelle Tucker (Kevin), Ashleigh Magee (Ian), and nieces and nephews; his faithful canine Yogi.

Our family would like to send a special thank-you to the staff of Gloucester Cancer Center, Palliative Care and Hospice. We are in awe of what they do and the loving care they offer their patients. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Friends of Gloucester Animal Control or Gloucester Volunteer Fire and Rescue.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Andrews Funeral Home.