Ronald Edward Carter

Ronald Edward Carter ("Ronnie") of Scroggins, Texas, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 3, 2025, after a brief illness.

Ronnie was born on September 23, 1949, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Leonora (Sanders) and Raymond Prince, but grew up in the loving home of Leonora and Charles Boyce. He married the love of his life, Shelby Anne (Higdon) Carter, on March 31, 1979, in Shreveport. A proud graduate of Woodlawn High School, Ronnie dedicated 37 years of service as an Engineer Assistant with Southwestern Electric Power Company (AEP). His work not only helped restore power to countless homes across North Louisiana but also carried him to disaster-stricken communities around the country, always showing up when people needed him most.

After retiring, Ronnie and Anne settled at Lake Cypress Springs, where he embraced lake life to the fullest. Whether he was fishing, hosting grand cookouts, or traveling to Arkansas and West Texas for hunting trips, Ronnie found joy in the outdoors and in sharing it with the people he loved.

One of Ronnie's favorite places to be, besides a duck blind, was the beach. He and Anne made regular trips to the Gulf Coast, soaking up the sun and relaxing to the sound of the waves. He loved the slower pace, the ocean breeze, and the simplicity of beach days spent with family. Whether he was casting a line from the shore, walking barefoot in the sand, or enjoying a cold drink under an umbrella, the beach was his happy place.

Ronnie was also a legendary cook. If there was a 50- gallon pot of gumbo or 100 pounds of crawfish to be cooked, he was the man for the job. His culinary creations were the heart of many family gatherings. He also made memories as the beloved boat captain for tubing adventures on the lake. He was equal parts thrill-seeker and gentle navigator, depending on who was riding behind him.

Though Ronnie never had children of his own, he stepped into the role of father with deep love and devotion for Anne's two daughters, Deborah Michelle and Angela Leigh. He didn't have to be their dad, but he chose to be, and he loved them as his own.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shelby Anne Higdon Carter; his mother and stepfather, Leonora Sanders and Charles Boyce; his father, Raymond Prince; his brother, Doyle Ray Carter; and son-in-law, Randal Allen.

He is survived by his step-daughters, Deborah Michelle Morris Vig (Rocky) and Angela Leigh Morris Gilcrease (John); grandchildren, Brooke Danielle Lee Turner (Ian), Emily Madison Vig (Michael Duncan), Tyler Mason Allen, Hannah Grace Allen, Victoria Shelby Allen, and Joshua Matthew Allen; great-grandchildren, Madeline Rose Turner, Gracelyn Lee Turner, and Elouise Gray Duncan; siblings, Jean Carter Brown and Jerry Wayne Carter; sister-in-law, Deborah Taylor (Charles); nephew, Charles Taylor, II (Kristen); niece, Crystal Taylor Tafuro (Marc); and grand-nephews, Shelby and Isaac Tafuro and Casper Taylor, all of whom shared his love; Ronnie is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Ronnie was dearly loved by all who knew him, and he leaves behind a legacy of loyalty, laughter, and selfless love.

Family and friends will gather for a Formal Viewing on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 10:00 am at the Aguilar Funeral Chapel, with the Funeral Services to follow at 11:00 am. Ronnie will be laid to rest at the Mount Vernon City Cemetery and Pastor Pepper Puryear will be the Officiant.