Claude I. Carter was born Aug. 7, 1919 in Weogufka.
He earned a B.S. degree in agricultural science from Auburn University in 1941. While at Auburn, he was a member of Gamma Sigma Delta, the honor society for agriculture, and Alpha Zeta national service honorary fraternity.
In 1941, he began working with Nebraska Consolidated Mills, which was later to become ConAgra, one of the world’s largest agribusiness companies. In 1958, he was named general manager of ConAgra’s Alabama Flour Mills in Decatur.
In 1964, he was transferred to ConAgra’s corporate headquarters in Omaha, Neb., where he began a rapid climb in the company. He was elected president and chief executive officer of ConAgra in 1974, where he served until his retirement in 1977.
Survivors include his wife, Ruth L. Carter of Daphne; son, Michael (Debbie) Carter of Montrose; three daughters, Connie (Jim) Hayes of Palm City, Fla., Ann (John) Hawkins of Gretna, Neb., Theresa (David) Jellenc of Montrose; 15 grandchildren; and two sisters, Evelyn O’Byrne of Alabaster and Cathon Fair of Anniston.
Visitation begins at 10 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 3 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Daphne. Interment will follow at Montrose Cemetery.
The family requests memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington D.C. 20090-6011.
Arrangements are by Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc., Fairhope.
