Ralph Carter
Ralph Carter, 87, saw his time on earth come to an end July 7, 2025, in Chattanooga surrounded by loved ones.
And what a life he experienced! Ralph Carter’s life could be summarized in three words: God, family, and bowling.
There was an era in Chattanooga in the 1950s thru 1980s when amateur sports were incredibly popular for competition, recreation and just plain fun. Those included golf, softball, tennis, and bowling. Within each activity there was individual greatness.
Among the bowlers of the era, none were better than Ralph Carter. For those efforts, he was inducted into three Halls of Fame: the Chattanooga Sports Hall of Fame, Tennessee Bowlers Association HOF, and Chattanooga Bowling Association HOF.
In the early 1960s, he was among the first to bowl a perfect 300 game in tournament play, for which he was awarded a trophy that stood nearly five feet tall and a large television/stereo console that were very popular in that day. To the surprise of absolutely no one, his rambunctious kids knocked over and broke the trophy not long after its arrival. Sturdy glue was a staple in the Carter household.
That was the first of several perfect 300 games in a career that spanned almost five decades. He still carried an above-200 average well into his mid-70s. When he realized early in his career he had a special talent, he entertained the idea of becoming a professional bowler, but earnings in that day weren’t enough to provide for his young family.
After graduating from Chattanooga High, he attended Tennessee Tech in Cookeville. His career was largely spent at the Chattanooga Times and retired from the Chattanooga Publishing Company, where he was Circulation Manager.
Ralph was preceded in death by his wife of almost 50 years, Yvonne, and his parents, Earl and Hattie Carter.
Left to treasure the memories are his wife of seven years, Barbara, who he adored; children Pam (Bob) Sprouse, Greg (Carol) Carter, and Kevin Carter; grandchildren Seth (Mary Anna) Gentry, Tyler (Kim) Gentry, Hunter (Ashley) Gentry, Brynnen (Macie) Carter, Dylan Carter, and Kelsey McGill; and an adoring flock of great-grands: Garrett, Harlee, Belle, Zain, Beau, Colt, Zoey, Nolan, Mya, Lukas, Amelia, and Elijah. Other special family and loved ones are too many to name, but you know he loved you.
It became a running joke that when the entire family was together, often times totaling over 30 people, Ralph would get everyone’s attention and exclaim, “look at all these people, who do you think started all this?”
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 9, at 2 p.m. at Oakwood Baptist Church on Bonny Oaks Drive, with Rev. Ken Clark officiating. Interment will follow at Lakewood Memory Gardens.
The family will receive friends Tuesday, July 8, from 5-8 p.m. at the Heritage Funeral Home on East Brainerd Road.