October 21, 2022, 25, La Grange –
July 28, 1997- October 21, 2022
At four pounds and three ounces, Gabriel Brody Carter made a fast and premature arrival into the world on July 28, 1997. As quickly as he came, so he left. Brody departed this life on October 21, 2022.
Though he was tiny and frail when he came into the world, nothing else Brody ever did was small. No matter what he was involved in, he was going to do it all the way and BIG! With a charismatic personality that would captivate his audience’s attention, Brody made friends with ease. He never met a stranger and would find something in common with anyone just to strike up a conversation. He was a smooth-talker and could win a young lady’s heart with a grin and just a few words.
Brody had a heart of pure gold and was an encourager and supporter to many. He was never judgmental and made everyone feel important. He was the supreme secret keeper, never uttering a word spoken in confidence. Brody was unmatched in wit and intelligence and loved to laugh and joke. Always playing a prank or being goofy, Brody was light-hearted and just wanted to make someone else smile.
Much like his Pa and Uncle Michael, it was evident from the time he was born that he had the drummer rhythm. The only way to calm his cries as a baby was to pat his bottom in beat. Before he could hold a drumstick he was tapping pencils on the wooden tops of the church pews. He watched his Pa play in church, at the dining room table, on the steering wheel, and everywhere else, and he followed suit.
As soon as he was old enough for official lessons, Brody was learning to read music and play rudiments. He was well-trained and equally gifted. He used his talent in the high school band and to God’s glory in his church. Playing in local, state, and international competitions, Brody was an award-winning percussionist. He was a self-taught guitarist and pianist, as well as a dabbler in many other instruments. The gift of music flowed through his veins.
Brody’s family was the center of his world. He loved his mama like nothing else and leaned on his dad for support and encouragement. He was her “George”. As a big brother, Brody was protective and was willing to take on anyone who went to his sisters and brothers. Jordan always challenged him in a game of basketball, Alyana was the apple of his eye from the moment she was born, Landon always gave him a run for his money, and Brody and Channing were thick as thieves (and really should’ve been twins). He enjoyed spending time with his Grandma Mary and he had his “Mom” wrapped around his finger since the day he was born. He was his Pa’s original “camping buddy” and learned so much from time spent with his Grandpa Frog in his building. He favored his Sissy in appearance but loved playing basketball like his Uncle Zach. Of all of Brody’s family, it’s probably safe to say that his prized “favorites” were his two nephews, Jameson and Vaden. He was their best friend and playmate. No one could ever love them as “B” did.
A service to celebrate Brody’s life and mourn his death will be held at Goldsboro Worship Center on Thursday, December 1, 2022, at 7 p.m. The family will receive friends at the church from 5-7 p.m., as well as at other times at the home of Michael and Sandra Ball.
Brody is survived by his parents, Michelle Ball and Brad Carter and wife, Marie; his siblings, Jordan Minshew and wife, Katie, Channing Carter, Landon Carter, and Alyana Carter; his nephews, Jameson Nobles and Vaden Carter, and a new niece or nephew on the way; maternal grandparents, Rev. Arnold and Judy Ball; paternal grandmother, Mary Edmundson Carter; uncles, Rev. Michael Ball and wife, Sandra, and Zach Carter; aunt, Melissa Ball-Whitfield and husband, Alex; cousins, Hannah and Parker Ball; his aunt and roommate, Carolyn “Mama Boo Boo” Ball; lifelong friend, Ashleigh Pelletier; and host of great-aunts and uncles, cousins, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his brother, Joshua Carter, and paternal grandfather, Frog Carter.
No matter how gifted, talented loved, or cherished Brody was, nothing kept him from his fate. We believe in the scripture, “It is appointed unto man once to die..”. Though we feel this appointment was so premature and unnecessary, we know God is in control. It doesn’t matter your race, religion, economic or social background, no one is above the reach of physical or mental illness, suffering, or tragedy. We encourage you to be kind, compassionate and caring to everyone you meet.
Brody was part of a loving family who shared and believed in the gospel of Christ. We’ve always believed that God had destined a plan and purpose for Brody and that He would always see him through. Born nearly six weeks early and staying in the neonatal unit for seven days, fighting encephalitis that took away his mobility and almost took his life, nearly dying from Type I Juvenile Diabetes, and battling depression many times, Brody fought from the beginning and never quit fighting. Our hearts are beyond broken; they are shattered. Our lives will never be the same. BUT this we know: God DID have a plan for Brody. He DID intend to use him for His glory. We just didn’t expect it to be this way.
For the addict, the new user, the lonely or depressed, the one reading this and considering using it…it’s time to seek help, time to step away, time to change your path. Brody’s untimely death is your warning. You loved him, you knew him, and you read his obituary. Brody is giving you the opportunity to live, and God is giving you the opportunity to change your fate NOW. If ONE son or daughter, mother or father, brother or sister, or best friend can be changed because of Brody’s death, then we know God used Brody for His glory. If you’re broken, ashamed, and in despair, we are here for YOU. God is waiting for you to let Him help you make the change. Reach out to us, your family, or a counselor. Let us help you. We would give the world to have our Brody with us, and we would do the same for you.
The obituary was lovingly submitted by Brody’s family.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
