Kent J. Carter - Obituary

ent Joel Carter, 82, of Severna Park, Maryland passed away peacefully on December 13, 2025. Born on May 25, 1943, in Aplington, Iowa, Kent was the son of the late George William Carter and Adeline Alice Carter. He was a devoted husband, brother, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend who was always ready to help when needed. His kindness and quiet strength touched those who knew him. Kent was a successful entrepreneur in every sense of the word. Kent was a professional Kick Boxer in the 70’s, owning a Tae Kwon Do Korean Karate studio in Marlow Heights. The Karate Studio was focused on training professional kickboxers. In the 70’s and 80’s Kent owned four liquor stores in the area with his partner Mike Ziccardi: Henry’s Liquors, West Street Wine and Cheese, Liquor Outlet and Garrison Forest Liquors. Henry’s Liquors became an Annapolis landmark. Kent also owned five Pro Jersey sports apparel stores with his sons Brett and Kevin in Baltimore/Washington area. Kent also had a 50-year successful career in Commercial Real Estate. Kent was an avid sportsman enjoying boxing, karate, skiing, tennis, hiking, football, basketball and going to the gym. Kent loved coaching basketball and football, leading several teams to County, City and State championships. Kent won several tennis tournaments. He was also a lifelong fan of Commanders. Kent married the love of his life Barbara on December 24, 2010, beginning an inseparable life of love, family and adventure. Together they traveled the world. They snorkeled in Jamica, explored Mayan ruins, cruised the rivers of Europe, hiked the mountains of Europe hiking over three peaks in Switzerland Davos, Windsor Hyde and Amarosa, hiked the canyons of Utah hiking the “River Walk” in Zion, skied the Rockies, they attended Super Bowls in California and Miami, and went to a sweat lodge in Vermont. Barbara and Kent were not the type to sit on the beach. Adventure was their calling! Kent loved to sing and dance. He was known as the “Dancing Man” at BrightView. He loved to do the twist. Together Barbara and Kent won a 50’s Dance Contest at Maryland Hall in Annapolis. Never losing his sense of humor, Kent was quick to show off his muscles and remind you how strong he was. During their 30 years together, Kent and Barbara owned homes in Annapolis, Edgewater, Salisbury and Florida. In addition to his parents, Kent was preceded in death by his son, Kevin Carter. He is survived by his loving wife Barbara; his son Brett Carter and daughter-in-law Maureen Carter; his step-children, Cheri and Scott Leasner, and Marc Hoffman; his grandchildren, Lexi, Madison, Stephanie, Brett, Melanie, Katherine, Morgan, Eric, Hannah, Brooke and Samatha; and his great-grandchildren, Blakely and Wesley. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Kent's life on Saturday, January 17 from 1 to 2 pm at Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD, where his memorial service will begin at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in the memory of Kent Carter (online here or via mail to: P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741). Condolences may be made by using the Memories link on this page.