Joseph Ben Carter age 66 of Wauchula passed away Tuesday, September 24, 2013 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center. He was born July 29, 1947 in Toccoa, Ga. and moved to Hardee County when he was a young child. Ben enjoyed Collecting Guns, building things like BBQ Grills and BBQ-ing Ribs. He was a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose (LOOM) and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE). Ben worked for United Telephone/Sprint for forty-five years before he retired. He is survived by his mother Lillie Mae Carter of Wauchula; one son Jeremy Carter of Avon Park; one daughter Stephanie Deleon of Avon Park; one brother Jessie Carter of California; two sisters Mildred Smith of Wauchula, Rachel Medley of Jacksonville; and three grandchildren. Visitation will be 10am-11am Saturday, September 28, 2013 at Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home located at 404 West Palmetto Street in Wauchula. Services will follow the visitation at 11:00am in the Chapel of Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home with Rev. Al Blum of Lake Dale Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow at New Hope Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.PongerKaysGrady.com Arrangements have been entrusted to Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Homes.