J. Ralph Carter, 91, a longtime resident of Lakeland, passed away June 3, 2019 in Covington, GA where he lived since 2006 with his oldest daughter, Theresa and son-in-law Mike. Born November 13, 1927, he was a graduate from Lakeland High School where he played football and baseball and was an avid Florida Gators fan. He was past district and State Director of Dixie Youth Baseball; a member of the United States Golf Association; and was a longtime field announcer for Kathleen High School Football. He was also a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church. He retired from USS Agri-Chemicals as a purchasing manager and he was a member of the National and Florida Chapter of the National Purchasing Management Association. He is survived by his children Theresa (Mike) Hesterley; Patti (Bill) Memory; Michael (Rena) Carter; Paula (Greg) Hayes; and Jay (Jill) Carter. 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren also survive. He was preceded in death by his wife Frances R. Carter A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 am, Thursday, June 13, 2019 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 210 W. Lemon St., Lakeland. Burial will be at Oak Hill Burial Park.