Pastor Emeritus Dr. Wayne Gordyn Carter, Sr., was born on July 4, 1934, in Elyria, Ohio to the late Benjamin H. and Mattie Lula Butler Carter. Pastor Carter grew up alongside 10 siblings in a loving and faith-filled family. He was a graduate of Elyria High School, in Loraine County, Ohio. After graduation, he furthered his education by enrolling in ABT (American Baptist Theological Seminary) in Nashville, TN. He was a graduate of the Baptist College of Charleston with a double major in Psychology and Religion. In pursuit of a master’s degree, he took graduate courses at the Citadel in Charleston, SC. Pastor Carter achieved his goal of obtaining a master’s degree through Carolina Theological Bible Institute, Bowman, SC.
Pastor Carter’s profound journey in ministry began at just 4 years old; (preaching to the animals on his father’s farm), reflecting his lifelong commitment to serving others. At a young age, he became a baptized member of Bethany Baptist Church in Elyria, Ohio. At the age of 15, he preached his initial sermon in the basement of Bethany, under the steady hand of his beloved pastor. While serving in the Navy and living in the Charleston area, Pastor Carter joined the historical Morris Street Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. A. R. Blake (His Mentor). Pastor Carter’s pastorate began at Ashley Missionary Baptist Church in Summerville, South Carolina, where he served for five years; before becoming the beloved Pastor of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Walterboro, South Carolina, where he served for an inspiring 35 years, retiring in January of 2023. After retirement in 2023, he co-founded Higher Ground Baptist Ministries, (A ministry of HELPS) in Islandton, SC, where he and his wife Velma, provide monthly food and other avenues of support to hundreds in the South Carolina Low Country, showing their commitment to Matthew 25:35…”For I was hungry and ye gave me meat” - exemplifying their dedication to community service, as the hands and feet of Jesus.
He was a past Moderator of the New Zion Baptist Association. He was appointed to serve on the Executive Board of the South Carolina Baptist E&M Convention of South Carolina, during the tenure of his friend, Dr. Benjamin D. Snoddy. He also served as a board member of Carolina Theological Bible Institute.
Prior to his pastoral duties, Pastor Carter proudly served in the United States Navy, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer (E-7), and Race Relations Officer for 22 years 8 months and 5 days. His love for people as a servant of God, was the foundation for his leadership and fairness to all, as he served his Country exemplifying the Navy’s Motto: “Honor, Courage, Commitment.” He was also a supervisor for Colleton County Disabilities and Special Needs.
He married his high school sweetheart, the late Dorothy Jordan Carter, with whom he shared a beautiful life and raised seven children. After her passing, Wayne found love again and married Ms. Velma Mickens on August 23, 2008.
Pastor Carter leaves behind a rich legacy of faith and compassion. He is survived by his beloved wife and caregiver, Velma M. Carter; his children Wayne Jr., Dorea, Jeff (Jean), Terry, Nancy (Juan), Darla, Barbara, Jana, Shon (Kizzy), Lorainia and Dedrick (Tonya). 17 grandchildren; devoted brothers and sisters-in-love, loving aunts and uncles, devoted nieces and nephews, cousins, and beloved friends who were touched by his kindness and generosity, including Bishop Bobby Jones, Sr., Mr. Marwin “Redd” McKnight who he loved as a son, Carmen Regina Brown and Pastor Janice Mitchell, whom he loved as daughters, Sis. Elizabeth Priester who he loved as a sister, and his Spiritual Sister, Pastor Ollie White. In the Body of Christ, God blessed Pastor Carter with a sea of children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, too numerous to mention.
