A Voice of a Generation: Remembering Lexington's Mr. Roland Carter

For over two decades, the Philpott Memorial Stadium has been the heart of Friday night football in Lexington. But for many, it wasn't just about the game. It was about the people, the community, and, most importantly, the unforgettable voice of one of the area's most beloved announcers, Mr. Roland Carter.

Mr. Carter was more than an announcer; he was a local legend. Anyone who had the privilege of hearing him on the mic at a football or basketball game knew he was one of a kind. He had a unique ability to command the attention of a crowd while also making you feel like he was speaking directly to you. He was the only person who could have a serious conversation and make you laugh at the same time, his wit and warmth always shining through.

I’ll never forget Spirit Week back in 2011. A few friends dared me to come to school dressed like Mr. Carter and do the morning announcements in his voice. So, I did. I put on my best impression, mimicking his distinctive tone for the entire school to hear. At first, he wasn’t too pleased. But as he saw the joy and laughter it brought to so many students, his serious expression melted into a smile. He simply shook his head, gave me a hug, and said, "Thomas, something is wrong with you, man." That was Mr. Carter—always finding the humor and the heart in every situation.

His legacy extended far beyond the announcer's booth. He created an atmosphere at the stadium that was electric, playing old-school music that made you feel like it was Saturday morning and time to clean house. His music choices were legendary, but his life lessons were what truly resonated. I remember a time when he was so displeased with me that he pulled me aside for a serious talk about my future. As a young and hardheaded teenager, I had no idea what I wanted to do after high school. He looked at me with an intensity that made me think he might "pluck" me, but instead, he offered encouragement. He saw something in me that I didn't see in myself.

Little did he know that his passion for music and equipment had already planted a seed. I used to listen to him on the radio when he was on air in Thomasville, and his broadcasts were a lifeline for me. When I couldn't go outside, his voice and his music were my only company. They became my escape, my inspiration, and ultimately, a guide toward what I wanted to do with my life. Some people say you should never meet your heroes, but I’m eternally grateful that I got to meet mine. Mr. Roland Carter was more than a hero; he was a mentor, a friend, and a beacon of hope.

Today, Mr. Carter has retired from the booth, dedicating his time to singing about the gospel of Jesus. Many of us who went to Lexington Senior High still talk about how he "turned the stadium out" with his energy and presence. We wish we could hear his voice just one more Friday night, making the stadium feel like home again. While high school football hasn’t been the same since he left, his legacy lives on in the memories of a community he touched so deeply.

Thank you, Mr. Carter, for your service to Lexington Senior High School and for the countless lives you impacted. May God continue to bless you Thomas.