Henry G. "Hank" Carter III

Henry G. “Hank” Carter III, age 71, of Newark, DE, passed away on Tuesday, September 14, 2021. Born in Atlanta, GA on May 30, 1950, he was a son of the late Henry G. and Margie (Orr) Carter, Jr. Shortly after competing in the Miss America Pageant, Hank’s mother, Margie, met his father, Henry, while they were both performing at a wedding, with her singing and him playing the piano. Luckily, Hank was fortunate enough to inherit his parents’ good music genes. Hank was thrilled whenever he got the opportunity to play with his brothers Alan, Wayne and Mark who are/were also musically gifted. Because of this, Hank had a lifetime passion for music, which he was able to turn into a successful music career by playing with a host of local Delaware groups including Rocket 88, the Watson Brothers (and Melton brothers), Garry Cogdell and friends, Club Phred and George Thorogood and the Destroyers with whom he played for 23 years. GT and the Destroyers is probably best known for the song ‘Bad to the Bone’, so give it a listen as Hank rocks the sax! Hank, while with the Destroyers, shared the bill with such artists as the Rolling Stones, BB King, Little Feet, ZZ Top, J. Geils Band and others; also, he performed at the very special Live Aid concert. He played a variety of instruments, including electric/acoustic guitar, bass, piano and keyboard, but he was best known as a saxophonist. He was inducted into the Delaware Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2018 with the Watson Brother’s Band. Hank was also a veteran, having served in the US Army Band during the time of the Vietnam War; this experience, by his own words, was critical because it offered regular opportunities to hone his musical talent. Of special note, our family is honored to share that Mr. Henry G. Carter Jr., Hank’s father, was a veteran of WWII and fought, amongst other battles, at the Battle of the Bulge. Beyond music, Hank’s other interests included fishing, experiencing nature (Lake George), vegetable gardening, reading, and video games (Zelda: Ocarina of Time). After working with the band, while in his early 50’s, Hank earned his bachelor’s degree in Accounting at the University of Delaware; he worked doing this type of work until he retired. In addition to his parents, Hank was predeceased by his two brothers, Wayne Carter and Mark Carter (Tandy). He will be forever loved and remembered by his partner for life, Lynn (Reeser) Carter; their two sons, Hayden Carter and Henry Grady Carter, IV (Bridget); grandchildren, Maire, Logan, James, Calli, and Bruce; siblings, Alan Carter (Pat) and Susan Carter Clark (Bill); nieces and nephews, Cadence, Robert Alan Carter (Greta), Marissa Bohn (Nate), and Amy Highsmith (Jordan); great-nieces and nephews, Sam, Grey, Bo, Charli, and Emily; his acquired family, Karen and Jim McCloskey, Gary and Cindy Reeser, Susan Reeser (and their many children, children’s spouses and grandchildren); and his many special friends that he enjoyed so much (you know who you are)! Hank was a kind and generous man, loved by friends and family and all those he touched. He was an involved and caring father, husband, relative, and friend. One cannot think of life with Hank without remembering the sincere love and friendliness he shared so easily with us all. All services will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Hank’s memory to atTAck Addiction, P.O. Box 36, Bear, DE, 19701, or online by clicking here.

Henry G. "Hank" Carter III

May 30, 1950 - September 14, 2021