SHERRILLS FORD—Long-time men’s basketball coach Mark Carter, age 60, died at his home on Wednesday.

       Carter, a native of Decatur, GA., played collegiate basketball at Lenoir-Rhyne College (now University) and graduated from there in 1977.

       He enjoyed a 30-year career in education, serving as a high school social studies teacher as well as a coach.

       He most recently had been the head men’s basketball coach at Newton-Conover for three seasons before his retirement in 2011.  He had also had stints in coaching at Bunker Hill, West Iredell, East Mecklenburg and Hallsboro.

       A memorial service honoring and celebrating Mark's life will be held at the family home on Saturday, May 24, 2014, at 4:00 p.m. The celebration will continue with food and fellowship for all who can join.

       In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 4819 Park Rd., Charlotte, NC 28209, or Lenoir Rhyne University, Men's Basketball Program, 625 7th Ave., NE, Hickory, NC 28601.