Kenneth "Ken" Carter

Kenneth “Ken” Carter, of St. Augustine, FL, and formerly of Redford, NY, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2026, just days before his 74th birthday.

Ken lived life with a larger-than-life spirit. He was a wonderful father, a loyal friend, a hard worker, and a man whose personality could light up a room. He had a way of making people laugh, telling a good story, and leaving an impression wherever he went. To those who knew and loved him, Ken was simply unforgettable.

Ken used a wheelchair for much of his life, but he never allowed it to define him or dictate what he could do. If anything, it strengthened his determination to live life on his own terms. He refused to sit on the sidelines or let obstacles decide what was possible. He continued to work, travel, enjoy the people he loved, and pursue the things that brought him happiness. Among those things was his lifelong love of motorcycles—and yes, Ken still found a way to ride his Harley. To him, the open road represented the freedom, independence, and adventure he valued so deeply. He approached life much the same way he approached riding: with confidence, a little stubbornness, and absolutely no intention of letting anyone—or anything—tell him he couldn’t.

Ken was also a proud businessman and spent many years co-owning and operating New York Bandit Trucking alongside the love of his life, Annette Fancher, who preceded him in death. Together, they built a life filled with hard work, memories, friendship, and love. Annette remained an important part of Ken’s heart and his story.

Above all else, Ken was a father and grandfather. He cherished his children and grandchildren and the people he considered family. He is survived by his daughters, Paula Vincent (Guy Smith) and Leigh Carter (Tim McCormick); his beloved grandchildren, Daniel Vincent and Nick Vincent; his brother, Roland Carter (Donna); his sister, Kathy Root; and several nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by the mother of his children, Sandra McDonald, with whom he shared the journey of raising their family.

Ken leaves behind many friends who loved him, including his cherished friend and caregiver, Peter Souza, whose friendship, kindness, and care meant so much to Ken and his family.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Annette Fancher; his parents, Marjorie Carter and Arthur H. Carter; his brothers, Harold Carter, Arthur V. Carter, and an infant brother, Robert Carter.

Ken’s life cannot be measured simply by the years he lived, but by the lives he touched. He was a man of tremendous spirit—sometimes stubborn, often funny, always himself—and he had a remarkable ability to make ordinary moments memorable. He faced challenges that could have stopped many people, but Ken was never one to let life dictate what he could or could not do. His wheelchair was part of his journey, but it was never the measure of the man. His determination, humor, independence, stories, laughter, love of motorcycles, friendships, and unmistakable personality were what defined him.

His family will forever treasure the memories of the man he was: a father, grandfather, brother, friend, businessman, adventurer, motorcycle rider, and a truly larger-than-life character who could never be replaced.

A Mass of Christian Burial and reception will be held at a later date by the family.

A special thank you to Community Hospice of St. Augustine / Jacksonville for the outstanding care and compassion they provided, and to the Mayo Clinic Wound Care Team.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who knew Ken simply take a moment to share a story, raise a glass, take a ride, or do something that reminds them of the joy and freedom he found in life. Above all, remember him with a smile.

Crevasse’s Simple Cremation is honored to serve the Carter family.