Mr. Tony Carter of Hot Springs, Arkansas and longtime Carthage resident, peacefully departed his earthly journey at the age of 70 September 6, 2025 at his home following a gallant battle with cancer.
A memorial Celebration of Life will be observed on Friday morning October 10th at 11 a.m. with Deacon Ronald McClellan of St. John Unleashed Church in Southlake, Texas delivering the eulogy. The services will be led by Reverand Melvin Boone, pastor of the Braden United Methodist Church in Carthage. Mark Tuley will do a reading from Psalms, and Mrs. Margaret Zeifer will read from the New Testament. Mrs. Cynthia Bell Boyd will offer a prayer of comfort and a niece, Tiffany Simmons, will read the obituary. Inurnment will follow with his mother and brother in the Garden of Gethsemane at the Smith County Memorial Gardens.
The Carter family will receive friends only on Friday morning October 10th from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. Celebration of Life at Sanderson in Carthage.
The family and friends will gather for repass at the Smith County Chamber of Commerce activity room following the burial.
He was born Langston (Tony) Carter on October 10, 1954 in Romulus, Michigan and was the youngest of four children of the late Ethel Lee McKinley Carter who died at the age of 84 on October 3, 1997.
A brother, Claiborne William Carter ended his journey in this world at the age of 68 on April 9, 2015.
Tony professed his love for Christ and accepted Him as his personal Lord and Savior. He served God faithfully until his health failed. Tony loved to care for others, showing his faith through acts of kindness and compassion. His joy was contagious, his laughter unforgettable, and his heart always open to those in need. Larger than life, he lived with energy and purpose, always pursuing new opportunities.
Tony began his studies in Criminal Law at Henderson State University from 1972 to 1974, and he also attended Philander Smith (College) University. His education grounded him with both discipline and vision, qualities he carried into every chapter of his life. During his college years, he also became a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, forming lifelong brotherhood bonds that remained dear to him throughout his life.
As a Contemporary Jazz DJ and radio personality with KUNV 91.5 in Las Vegas and KUHS 102.5 FM in Hot Springs, to name a few he celebrated his passion for smooth jazz and brought people together through music. He was also the proud owner of WorldwideJazzRadio.com, a 24/7 jazz radio station, where his motto, “Jazz is what I do,” became the standard he lived up to. His most recent entrepreneurial venture along with his wife was as the owner of the Hot Springs Party Bus in Hot Springs.
Tony’s spirit brought people together, and his legacy of faith, music, and love will continue to inspire all who knew him. Truly, he fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7). He was united in holy matrimony with Carolyn Carter, and they were blessed with two children.
He will be forever cherished by those who brought so much joy to his life: two siblings, Gretchen (Robert) Simmons and Baysell Carter; two children, Anthony and Jari; nine grandchildren, and a host of special nieces and nephews, relatives and friends. He also shared a special bond with Janai Nelson, whom he lovingly regarded as a daughter and who brought love and happiness into his life.
This obituary was published by Sanderson Funeral Homes, Inc. – Carthage.
This obituary was published by Obituaries provided free for the community.
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