Lonnie Joe Carter, Sr., of Newport, Arkansas, departed this life on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at the age of 78. He was born on April 14, 1947, in Tuckerman, the son of Jacob Jackson, Sr. and Fannie May (Haigwood) Carter.
Mr. Carter proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army. During his military career, he completed two tours in Vietnam and was later stationed in Alaska as part of the Army’s Special Services. His bravery, dedication, and leadership were recognized with numerous honors, including three Bronze Stars, among other commendations for valor and service.
After returning home, Mr. Carter began a dedicated and long career as a truck driver with H & V Leasing. He retired after more than 40 years of service.
Mr. Carter loved drinking a good cup of coffee and watching his favorite westerns. His greatest joy was spending time at flea markets. Mr. Carter was always on the hunt for a good find and liked to collect things.
Mr. Carter is preceded in death by four brothers, Johnny M. Carter, Jacob J. Carter, Jr., Jacob Charles Carter, and Henry Dale Carter; two sisters, Genova Douglas and Virginia Lou Houston; and his parents.
He is survived by his sons, Joseph Carter and wife, Jolene, of Mantachie, Mississippi, and Lonnie Carter, Jr. and wife, Nicole, of Cleveland, Georgia; a brother, Jimmy R. Carter, of Jonesboro; his sister, Louise King, of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and six grandchildren, Amber Carter, Jacob Carter, Rachel Carter, Beth Kennedy and husband Taylor, Chris Carter and wife Chyna, and Andy Carter and wife, Christine; six great-grandchildren, JJ, Gavin, Asher, Cohen, Charlotte, and Nora and niece Kim Fears and husband, Mike; and many other nieces and nephews.
Also surviving Mr. Carter is his extended family, Kathy and Darryl Massey, Beverly and Daron London, Benny Magness, Dallas and Natalee Luce, and their son, Drake Luce, all of whom are of Newport.
Funeral services for Mr. Carter will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 3, 2026, at Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home Chapel, with Bro. Jeffrey Carter officiating. Interment will follow in Dowell’s Chapel Cemetery. Friends may visit at the funeral home on Friday afternoon, beginning at 1:00 p.m. until service time.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Lonnie Carter, Jr., Joseph Carter, Darryl Massey, Daron London, Benny Magness, Dallas Luce, Mike Fears, Josh Fears, and Landen Fears. Honorary pallbearers are Eddie Denham and Jimmy Heatherly.
Arrangements by Jackson’s Funeral Home.
