Steven Ernest Carter – March 16, 1958 – June 17, 2026
Steven Ernest Carter, known to many simply as Carter, passed away on June 17, 2026, at the age of 68, in London, Kentucky, after a battle with pneumonia. Born on March 16, 1958, in Los Angeles, California, Carter was a man who lived life with grease on his hands, a beat in his heart, and a smile that made everyone around him feel welcome. Raised in Paradise, California, Carter showed his extraordinary talent and determination early. By the age of nine, he had rebuilt an engine and drove it, and that same year he picked up drumsticks and started playing drums. At seventeen, he headed to Los Angeles, where he worked in a mechanics shop by day and played drums in clubs at night, chasing every dream he had with equal passion. It was in L.A. that Carter discovered his true calling, building Kustom cars in his garage. His work earned him the cover of Convertible Magazine, a Best of Show award at Go Topless, and third place at the prestigious Bel Air Concourse. He and his wife later moved to Nashville, where he continued his successful car business from a shop behind their home. He lived and breathed cars, especially Fords, and his favorite saying summed it up perfectly: "FORD, First On Race Day." His latest and greatest accomplishment was moving to his dream home in London Kentucky with his wife and close to his new found family. He was happy beyond his wildest with this dream come true! Carter met the love of his life on a blind date in 1984, and they married in August 1987. They were happily married ever since, truly the love of each other's lives. He was honorable, trustworthy, funny, hardworking, strong, and lovable. A great husband and a true friend to many, Carter never drove past a broken-down car without pulling over to help. He made friends wherever he went and was always the first person to show up when someone needed him. He is survived by his beloved wife and the countless lives he touched along the way. Memorial service details are pending. As Carter liked to say, "God is a boy with a magnifying glass." May he rest in the peace he so richly deserves.