Jesse Johnson Carter III, 63, of Newport News, Virginia, passed away on July 15, 2026, in the city where he was born on September 6, 1962.
Jesse was the beloved son of Barbara Frances Carter and the late Jesse Johnson Carter Jr. A proud graduate of Warwick High School’s Class of 1980, he spent many years as the Fuel Station Manager for Kroger, where his friendly nature and gift for conversation made him a familiar face to customers and coworkers alike. Jesse never met a stranger—he could strike up a conversation with anyone, and his quick wit and playful sense of humor brought smiles wherever he went.
Life’s greatest joys for Jesse were found in the simple things and the people he loved most. He cherished time spent hunting with family and friends, especially making homemade deer jerky after a successful season. He took great pride in raising the backyard chickens he affectionately called “his girls” and enjoyed quiet days fishing whenever he could. A devoted NASCAR fan, Jesse faithfully cheered for his favorite driver, Kyle Busch, and was rarely seen without one of his signature baseball caps.
Music was another passion, and no artist brought him more joy than Michael Jackson. Jesse loved to dance and was always ready to have a good time, whether at family gatherings or simply enjoying the company of friends and neighbors. His loyal dog, Nella, was never far from his side and could almost always be found curled up in his lap or faithfully following him from room to room.
Above all else, Jesse was a devoted husband, father, son, grandfather, brother, and friend. His grandchildren were the light of his life, and he treasured every moment spent with them. He leaves behind countless memories filled with laughter, love, and the warmth of a man whose kindness and easygoing spirit touched everyone fortunate enough to know him.
He was preceded in death by his father, Jesse Johnson Carter Jr., and his mother-in-law, Susan Lynn Rossi.
Jesse is survived by his loving wife, Deanna Carter; his mother, Barbara Frances Carter; his sister, Tina Carter Capaldo and her husband, Greg Capaldo; his son, Jordan Carter and his wife, Sindy Carter; his daughter, Gabrielle Liberta and her husband, Nicholas Liberta; his cherished grandchildren, Meadow Liberta and Carter Liberta; his nieces, Allison Dean and her husband, Ryan Dean, and Tiffany Garnett; as well as many great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, dear friends, neighbors, and all whose lives were blessed by knowing him.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., with a funeral service beginning at 3:00 p.m., followed by a reception from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Bucktrout Funeral Home.
A burial will take place on Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Carter Family Cemetery in Covington, Virginia.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society. Those wishing to send floral tributes are asked to do so through Williamsburg Floral & Gifts.
Jesse’s laughter, generous heart, and unforgettable personality will be deeply missed, but the love he shared with his family and friends will continue to live on in the countless memories they hold dear.
