Wayne Ford Carter, Sr., of Seaford, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2026, at TidalHealth Nanticoke Hospital following a heart condition.

Born on Aug. 11, 1938, in Baltimore, Md., Wayne was the son of Ardelle Louise Carter and Mathias Ford Carter. He grew up in Baltimore County, where he graduated from Parkville High School before earning a business degree from the University of Maryland.

Wayne began his professional career in the Baltimore area for Black & Decker before relocating to Middlesex, New Jersey, in 1968. Throughout his career, he held a variety of business and management positions. In New Jersey, he began working for Singer as an Industrial Engineer and eventually changed employers to become a Purchasing Manager.

Wayne joined the H.C. Pierce Hose Company in the Middlesex Volunteer Fire Department in 1969 and proudly served his community for more than 12 years, reaching the rank of Lieutenant.

Later, Wayne and his family made Seaford their home. There, he fulfilled a long-held desire to be a sole proprietor by owning and operating Red Maples Farm and becoming a poultry producer for Perdue Farms for 29 years. Wayne built a reputation as a hardworking and respected member of Delaware’s agricultural community.

Wayne found great joy in reading, following sports, “solving” the World’s Problems over coffee at Davelli’s Bagel Cafe, weekly Pinochle games at Seaford Senior Center, and cheering on his beloved Baltimore Orioles. One of his favorite memories came in 2007, when he attended the National Baseball Hall of Fame ceremony in Cooperstown, New York, to celebrate the induction of Cal Ripken, Jr. He shared that special occasion with his son, Wayne Jr.; his grandson, Ryan; and his half-brother, John.

Wayne treasured his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Donna Prine Carter; his son, Wayne Carter, Jr., and daughter-in-law, Gillian Carter; his grandson, Ryan Carter; his granddaughter, Alexandra Carter; and his half-brother, John Naudain. He is also survived by many friends, neighbors, and fellow farmers who knew him and will remember him.

A Celebration of Wayne’s Life will be held at Seaford Moose Lodge No. 1728 at a future date. Additional service information will be available at the Watson-Yates Funeral Home website.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Wayne’s name to either the Seaford Senior Center or Friends of the Greenwood Library will be greatly appreciated.

Please visit Wayne’s Life memorial at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.