Retired pastor of the New Mount Olive Baptist Church, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Rev. Dr. Mack King Carter, has died at the age of 66, leaving behind his wife Patricia, his two daughters and two grandchildren.
Carter had previously preached at the church for 27 years and according to Dorsey Miller, a friend from King’s youth in Ocala, Marion County, Florida, he was the “ultimate teacher, preacher and practitioner of the Christian word.”
Under Carter’s leadership, the New Mount Olive Baptist Church grew to about 10,000 members from about 4,000 and it is now one of the most influential and largest black congregations in Florida.
Reportedly, Carter became a deacon at his childhood church when he was only 10 years old and he had a photographic memory of the Bible. By the time he was 19 years old, he was pastor of his first congregation.
Carter was known for his signature term “deliciously proud” and was the author of numerous books and had a television ministry. He was also in great demand at religious conferences and conventions nationwide and had tremendous political clout.
Patricia Carter, who had been King’s wife for 40 years, said that she was overwhelmed by the number of calls and text messages she had received from people expressing their condolences. She added that sometimes you don’t realize a person’s impact on people’s life even if you’re so close to them.
Carter’s wife went on to say that, although he had heart problems since his retirement in 2009, nobody thought that it was serious. She added “He’s had health challenges, but we did not think that he was to the extent of passing away. Monday night we went out for hamburgers like teenagers and had no idea he would be dead Wednesday.”
Patricia went on to say that her husband had died from heart complications after being taken to Westside Regional Medical Center in Plantation, Florida when he was struck with heart problems while undergoing dialysis treatment on Wednesday.
Carter helped to open a mission in Kenya and had dedicated his life to those around him. He had also helped establish ministries that helped those who suffer from substance abuse and open centers for HIV/AIDS awareness, along with helping to establish scholarships, food pantries and clothing banks.
Arrangements:
• Wednesday: A 4 p.m. viewing and a 6 p.m. service at New Birth Baptist Cathedral of Faith International, 2300 NW 135th St., Miami. For more information about the Miami service, call 305-685-3700.
• Thursday: A 9 a.m. viewing and 12 p.m. service at New Mount Olive Baptist Church, 400 NW Ninth Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Groups traveling by bus are asked to contact Mount Olive by Wednesday at 954-463-5126.
• Saturday: An 8 a.m. viewing and 11 a.m. service at New St. John Baptist Church, 2251 NW Second St., Ocala. The Ocala church can be reached at 352-629-5663.
Carter’s widow, Patricia Carter, said that instead of flowers, donations can be made to Dr. Mack King Carter Memorial, Florida Memorial University, 15800 NW 42nd Avenue, Miami Gardens. For more information about the memorial, call 305-626-3600.
The Rev. Carter’s burial will be private.
