Wesley T. Carter, Sr., Oldest living member of Phi Beta Sigma passes at 104

Brother Wesley T. Carter, Sr. recognized as the oldest living and active member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity passed away on Monday, June 25, 2012 at 4:00 AM. On February 28, 2012, Brother Carter celebrated his 85th anniversary as a member of our fraternity. He was initiated into Sigma through the Lambda chapter at Virginia Union University (VUU). Bro. Carter was completely self-sufficient, still attending chapter, state and national meetings until his transition into the Omega chapter. He was also recognized as the oldest living alumnus of Virginia Union University.

During his collegiate years, Bro. Carter played basketball with the Richmond Phi Beta Sigma team, alongside Brothers “Puff” Taylor and “Stretch” Gardner. The team beat all other fraternities in the area and played most of their games on the second floor of Johnson’s Funeral Home. An extremely active member, Carter was the Grand Marshall of the VUU 1929 Homecoming Parade.

In later years, Brother Carter served as a delegate to the 1941 Conclave in Philadelphia, PA. He was also responsible for the 1967 Conclave (Richmond, VA) souvenir kit and has received numerous awards for his longevity of service to the fraternity.

For his many years of community service and his distinguished career as an educator, Bro. Carter was recognized by his undergraduate alma mater with an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters in 2008. Most recently Bro. Carter was featured on the cover of Winter 2012 edition of The Crescent and was honored at the 2011 Conclave with the President’s Living Legacy Award during the Opening Ceremony in Atlanta, Georgia.

“This is a bittersweet moment to all Phi Beta Sigma members, as our dear Brother Wesley Carter was the epitome of lifelong service to the Fraternity, and the wider community,” according to Honorable Brother Jimmy Hammock, International President.

Bro. Carter’s funeral services will be held in the Virginia Union University Chapel on Saturday, June 30, 2012 at 11:00 AM. The chapel is located at 1500 N. Lombardy Street, Richmond, VA 23222, 804-257-5600. Funeral services will be provided by Scotts Funeral Home, 115 East Brookland Park Boulevard, Richmond, VA 2322, 804-321-9095, 804-321-1033 (FAX) or www.scottsfuneralhome.com

Brothers of Phi Beta Sigma are encouraged to honor the life and commitment of Brother Wesley T. Carter with your presence, your prayers for his family, as well as cards and letters. All forms of condolence may be sent to the Scotts Funeral Home.