Ron C. Carter

Born May 12, 1939 and passed peacefully surrounded by family and friends on Friday, March 17, 2023.

I want to tell you the mini-version of Ronny's life (longer version to follow at the service). Ronny Charles Carter (aka BBC) Baby Boy Carter as he was called as a child was born in a small town outside of Knoxville, Tennessee called Maryville. He was the only child to Cecile and Charlie Carter. Ronny would tell you he was raised with a silver spoon that bit back! Charlie, his father, owned the local general store where he worked all through high school.

After high school, he went into the military. Once trained in boot camp, it was off for a short stint in Germany, then to Hawaii where he spent the rest of his time in service. In Hawaii, he fell in love with the weather, the islands and the people. After his "government job", he ended up in Atlanta.

Since his mother strongly encouraged him to take dance lessons, this is where it finally paid off. Ronny became a dance instructor at Arthur Murray Dance Studio where he excelled as an instructor and salesman.

It was the summer of 1961, his life would forever change as he met the love of his life. While sharing a small apartment with a high school friend, he met and fell in love with James (Jimmy) Neal, AKA "M". They started out with nothing and went on to build a life in Atlanta. He opened a high-end barber shop in downtown Atlanta, catering to male business executives. He would tell you it was in his barber chair that the concept for the Big Mac was thought of. They also raised and bred Yorkshire Puppies. They had many favorites over the years. The last one, Ms. Carmella Marcella Garcia, their little princess, passed just a few months ago at almost 18 years old.

It was the summer of 1969, the decision was made to sell everything and move to Sarasota, Florida. Both earned a living cutting hair with Ronny working nights at the Sarasota Kennel Club to make ends meet. In January 1971, they joined their artistic talents and love for plants and opened "Plants and Things". A plant shop that focused on terrariums and other botanicals. It wasn't long until a customer came in and asked if they could make a centerpiece. Ronny said they didn't sell centerpieces and Jimmy said just give me a minute. After a few minutes, Jimmy came out with a centerpiece that the customer said was the most beautiful they had ever seen. Thus, "MR. FLORIST" was born. Mr. Florist went on to be the premier florist in Sarasota for the next four decades, winning awards in the floral industry including "National Floral Retailer of the Year" twice, and the coveted Head Dress Award in June of 1979 scoring a 498 points out of a possible 500. Mr. Florist became known both regionally and nationally.

For years, they decorated nearly every major event and community fundraiser and wedding. Ron and Jimmy had the honors of decorating the Governor's Mansion more than once, and also joined a team that decorated the White House under George Bush senior. Locally in Sarasota they won Most Outstanding Corporate Partner, Philanthropic Business of the Year and even Small Business of the Year in the early 2000's. They ran the business until 2014. After closing Ronny and Jimmy referred clients to Jeff Gordon at Suncoast Florist on Beneva and 17th.

It is somewhere in here I came along. It was a cold New Years Eve in 1987. I walked up to an open seat at a bar and struck up a conversation with the guy sitting next to me. This ended up being Ron Carter and so started a 36 year friendship. They became the parents I never had and I the son they always wanted. It was even more of an honor to not only call Ronny my dad but also my best friend.

In the 80s and thru the early 2000's they took fundraising to a new local level. With the outbreak of AIDS, they helped pioneer C.A.N. Community Aids Network. Starting out in a "motel" to see patients and helping develop it into the million dollar building on the corner of 12th and Tuttle that still sees patients today. "Cabaret Ala Cage", "Cabaret Ala Circus" and "Living With Aids What a Drag" spanned for over 30 years which has helped Community Aids Networks to grow and see patients in many states. Although Community AIDS Network held a special place in their heart, the philanthropy and fundraising experiences did not stop there.

They have helped dozens of organizations to raise millions of dollars over the years. Their love, care and giving has touched thousands of lives throughout our community.

I refer to both Ron and Jimmy in this story because to know one of them was to love both of them. They worked, lived and played together for nearly 60 years. After retirement, and aging started to slow them down, I was able to move in just a few doors down so I could help them and be close by. I was with Ronny when Jimmy passed in March 5, 2021. Again last Friday evening, I was with Ronny as he passed, holding his hand. The duo, once again are reunited in the heavens.

I am so blessed to have known both of you and to have called you my family. Rest in Peace my friends, Jeff.

Services will be held on Saturday March 25th at 1 PM at Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park, 170 Honore Ave, Sarasota, 34232.

Please feel free to come to the service as Ron and Jimmy would have known you.