SOUTHPORT — Carter “Butch” Keith Reynolds passed away on March 23, 2024, in his home in Southport, North Carolina.
Carter was born on Dec 7, 1941 in Cloquet, Minnesota, to Raymond and Florence Reynolds. Carter married the love of his life, Joyce, on June 16, 1962. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend.
Carter was a talented draftsman, carpenter, and engineer. When Carter and his young family lived in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, he worked as a draftsman for Link-Belt. On the side, Carter and Joyce founded C&R Construction where Carter worked as its lead contractor and carpenter for over a decade. In 1980, Carter and his family moved to Louisiana where Carter was offered his dream career of working as an aeronautical engineer with NASA. Of all his career opportunities, Carter most enjoyed his engineer work on the space shuttle.
At home, Carter enjoyed breakfast picnics, playing 500 and basketball with his young kids, playing card games, visiting with his family and friends, summer vacations with his family, holiday dinners, and crafting wood into whatever Joyce wanted. Carter felt at home in his wood shop.
Carter was a talker. He befriended anyone who had a moment to drink coffee and visit. He was also fearless and would try just about anything at least once. Carter was adventurous. After their children grew up and moved away, Carter and Joyce explored the country together. Ultimately, they landed in Hamilton, Montana for a few years and then settled in Southport, North Carolina.
Carter is survived by his wife, Joyce; children, Rebecca, Melissa, Raymond, and Keith; grandchildren, Anthony, Brittany, Grace, Sophie, Michael, Abbey, Rose,
and Frank; and many extended family members. Carter is predeceased by his son, Richard, his father, his mother, his sister, his nephew, and other extended family members. Carter will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and anyone who knew him.
Instead of flowers, please send donations to St. Judes, Matthew’s Ministry at 8500 E. Oak Island Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465 (910) 713-2043 or Salvation Army in Cloquet, MN (218) 879-1693.
