Merrill Ray Carter - Walker Funeral Home

On April 6th, 1938 Merrill Ray Carter made a dramatic entrance into this world. It was a difficult and painful delivery for the first and only son of Ray and Edith Wilson Carter. The delivery resulted in two large bumps on the baby’s head, and the mother was surprised to find her baby was born with teeth! Merrill would later explain that he was born with teeth and horns.

The young family settled in Spanish Fork, his sister Sherry was born 2 years later. Merrill attended public schools and graduated from high school in 1956. He excelled in drama and music and was center on the football team and was manager of the basketball team.

He married his high school sweetheart Janice Tuckett in 1958 in the Salt Lake LDS temple.

He graduated from BYU and received a degree in speech education. He was hired to teach at Springville High School in 1960, home of the Red Devils—the perfect fit for a man born with teeth and horns. He taught speech, drama and English. Their son Jeffery was also born this year. They lived in Lake Shore, where Janice grew up, and moved to Mapleton and Springville, where Diane, Linda, Judy and Paula joined the family. In 1971 they moved to Spanish Fork.

Merrill began a parallel career path in the Utah Army National Guard serving in artillery units. He advanced through all the enlisted ranks until attending officers training school, and then advanced to the ranks of officer, from Lieutenant through Colonel, at the time of his military retirement.

During college he worked part time at the glass company where his father worked. In 1975 he began his own retail glass business. That business exists today as Carter’s Glass. His children Jeff and Diane carry on the family tradition.

He retired from teaching in 1982 to pursue a full-time career in the US Army, their travels took them to Washington state, Vermont and Oklahoma before retuning to settle again in Spanish Fork, living in his grandfather’s home, where they now reside.

Merrill’s legacy is in serving people, in whatever capacity that happened to be–in church, school, the military, business and the civic community. He was mentor to many. He left an indelible impression upon people wherever he worked.

He had a passion for the country he served. He was dedicated to his religion and was a leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. He was most recently a family history consultant, where his experience as a master storyteller was most prominently displayed.

Merrill absolutely loves and is dedicated to his family. He is survived by his sweetheart Janice, children Jeff Carter (Cynthia), Diane Tew (Grant), Linda Holz, Judy Ayles (Dwight) and Paula Gleave (Cole) his sister Sherrel Thorpe, and numerous adoring grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by parents Ray and Edith Carter, brother-in-law Don Thorpe, and great granddaughter Miren Carter.

Merrill’s departure from this world was also dramatic. On March 25th, just prior to Miren’s funeral, Merrill peacefully returned to his heavenly home. He followed his sweet great granddaughter into the spirit world on the day of her funeral. We imagine he couldn’t be held back from finally holding Miren and meeting a second baby girl that has yet to arrive. If ever he was asked how he would accomplish a difficult task like this, he’d say: I’ll cheat.

This is how our father, grandfather, and husband has “jumped the line” and played one last trick on us all. We love you dad, Merrill, pops. You have absolutely earned this privilege.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2025 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home in Spanish Fork 187 South Main Street. Funeral Service will be held Friday, March 28, 2025 at 452 West 550 South, Spanish Fork starting at 11:00 with a viewing from 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. prior to the funeral service.

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10 Condolences for Merrill Ray Carter

Condolences(10)

George Becker says

March 27, 2025 at 2:13 pm

RIP brother, you were one of my cherished mentors

Jill Johnson Thorpe says

March 27, 2025 at 3:31 pm

So sorry for your loss!

Eric Anderson says

March 27, 2025 at 4:21 pm

COL Carter was a great man that shaped the lives of many. He was someone to look up to and someone that showed courage and candor at all times. I learned many great lessons and feel truly blessed to have worked closely with Merrill for a short time. He not only shaped my career in the military, but paved the path for service and truly taking care of people, even when tough love was required.

Michael Malone says

March 27, 2025 at 5:00 pm

Merrill is a great man, a good example, and a steady influence. Until we meet again my friend.

Kay Furniss says

March 27, 2025 at 5:37 pm

Thanks, Mr. Carter for all the lessons learned, fun memories and shared life stories. In 1968 you were my student teacher advisor at Springville HS. On my second day you tossed me the play script for The Star Bangle Girl by Neil Simon and said, “It’s all yours.”. What a blast that was. Thanks Robert, Dusty and Clark. We kept in touch from time to time over the years and when I ran into you at IFA, we had the best visit. If you ever finished writing your life history, I’d love a completed copy. You always mentioned Janice, the family, your love of this country and always – injected your famous humor and outlook on life. I will miss those conversations. You were a treasured friend and I am grateful our paths crossed. My sincere condolences to Janice and the family.

George Hampton says

March 28, 2025 at 2:01 am

Merrill Ray was my debate coach and theater coach in Springville high school from 1967 to 1970. I learned more from that man than any other teacher I ever had. He taught me to have self confidence. He taught me how to argue a fair point. Acting in plays my senior year of high school was one of the most memorable things I ever did. I loved being one of his “idiots” in the play “We bombed in New Haven“ a Joseph Heller play. I am sure he will be greatly missed.

Perry Knight says

March 28, 2025 at 12:35 pm

“… we are forever changed…”

Michael R Mellenthin says

March 30, 2025 at 3:17 pm

He was truly one of a kind, I served with him for many years, farewell sir.

Thomas says

July 22, 2025 at 2:15 pm

I just saw that Colonel Carter passed. He was a great mentor and leader. I served with him as a young captain at Norwich University in Vermont. Colonel Carter and Mrs Carter took care of my family through some difficult times which I will forever be grateful. I wish that over the years I had communicated with him and Mrs Carter to tell them how much they meant to my wife and I. Our sincere condolences.

Thomas says

July 22, 2025 at 2:19 pm

Colonel Carter was an outstanding leader and gentleman. I had the pleasure of serving under him as a captain at Norwich University.

Merrill Ray Carter April 6, 1938 - March 25, 2025

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10 Condolences for Merrill Ray Carter