Dr. Robert V. Carter, son of the late George and Flora Carter, began what was a full life of love and service in his hometown of Troy, Alabama. A burning flame for education was nurtured into him by his family. It was flame he would spend a lifetime igniting in others.

He graduated from Academy High School in Troy, Alabama, and received a Bachelor of Science degree in history and English from Alabama A&M University. He went on to earn advanced degrees at Alabama State University (Master of Education), Peabody College (Educational Specialist), Alabama Christian School of Religion (Master of Arts), and the University of Colorado, Boulder (Doctor of Education). With this solid foundation of education, Dr. Carter built a career in education that spanned decades and touched many lives as mentor, teacher, friend, and classmate. He began his career as a teacher and librarian at the State Vocational School in Pikeville, Tennessee. He went on to teach at Eastwood High School in Jacksonville, Alabama, before becoming the principal at W.A. Jones High School and Vincent Middle School, both in Vincent, Alabama. He later moved on to post-secondary education, serving as Director of Continuing Education and Assistant Dean of University College, Director of the Weekend College, Director of the Graduate Center at Alabama State University, and Academic Dean and Assistant to the President at Lawson State Community College.

Robert was a man of deep faith. As an extension of his faith, he pastored the New Rising Star A.M.E. Zion Church and served on the United Methodist Church Northern District of Alabama Education Committee.

He believed in the power of community and was a crusader for justice. He was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc., and the Birmingham Downtown Action Committee. He co-led the Youth and College Division of the NAACP, developed the affirmative action plan for Title IX women's athletics at Lawson State Community College, and successfully challenged the Shelby County Board of Education when it attempted to demote all its black principals.

Dr. Carter was preceded in death by his wife, the late Ollie McGraw Carter; and her siblings, Harold J. Carter and Clementine C. King.

He is survived by: his longtime friend and companion, Mrs. Patricia S. Davis; his sisters, Mrs. Ann C. Tillman of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Mrs. Bettye C. Pressley of Albuquerque, New Mexico; nieces and nephews, Mr. Anthony Tillman, Dr. Adonica J. Parks, Mr. Eddie King, Ms. Jacqueline King, Mrs. Jane McGraw Cooper, and Mr. Anthony McGraw; a sister-in-law, Maenolia C. McGraw; as well as other relatives and friends.