LaRodrious "Wonk" Carter

Tha Don Life

On August 3, 1998, in El Dorado, Arkansas, Benjamin Douglas Carter II and the late Sherico Denise Tysa Davis were blessed with a beautiful baby boy, Larodrious Nadarel Carter. With his bright eyes, fat jaws, and unforgettable smile, he brought laughter and light to everyone who knew him.

To the world, he was Wonk, Wonk Tha Don, Wonk Wizzle, and his personal favorite Pretty Boy Wonk, even if no one else called him that. To those who knew him best, he was ambitious, adventurous, enthusiastic, intelligent, loving, protective, sarcastic, and always full of life.

Wonk attended El Dorado School District. Some of his accomplishments include obtaining a Culinary Arts certificate, which he proudly bragged about every time he cooked. But his proudest moment was when he earned his CDL license, a major goal he had worked hard for. He dreamed of driving cross-country and seeing the world from the open road, and was well on his way to living that dream.

At the time of his passing, Wonk was employed at Foster Farms, where he worked steadily and built a future he could be proud of. He had also been accepted into college to pursue a trade in Diesel, Trucking, and Mechanics, taking his passion for big rigs and hard work to the next level. He was excited and ready for the next chapter of his life. Wonk was deeply connected to his family. You could often find him sitting on the porch, music blasting, his sister's dog Juju always nearby, walking in the yard or house while singing and rapping. He loved to dance, even if, as his cousin Scottra joked, he moved like he was dancing to Mexican music (with no rhythm at all). But he danced anyway, freely and joyfully.

He was also a talker. Even with a stutter, he would ask you a thousand questions in thirty seconds, then turn around and answer them himself, never missing a beat and always leaving you laughing.

He loved to eat, but surprisingly, his favorite meal was a salad. He'd always ask, "Keke, did you make one?"-because, to him, that was the best salad. No matter what else was on the table, if Keke's salad was there, that's what he wanted.

He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Sherico Denise Tysa Davis; his maternal grandmother, JoAnn Henry; his maternal granny, Carolyn Cobb; his paternal great-grandmother, Alice Phine Avery; his paternal grandfather, Benjamin Douglas Carter (Sonny); his uncle, Roderick Darrel Carter; his uncle, Robert Loggins (Truck); and his cousins, LaVeechia Dixon and Jaylen D. Robinson.

LaRodrious leaves his cherished memories to his father, Benjamin Douglas Carter II (Brandy); his maternal grandfather, Charles Joe Townsend (El Dorado, AR); his paternal grandmother, Alice Carter (El Dorado, AR); and his bonus mom, Rolonda Loggins (El Dorado, AR). He is also remembered with love by his brothers, Benjamin "Lil Ben" Carter, Tykeonce Hicks, and DaMarkus Wilson, all of El Dorado, AR; and his sister, Sheranden Miller (Conway, AR) Bonus sisters; Brichanna Corley, Kianna Corley, Amariya Warren, Cavorcia Joy, Markivia Holmes, Ra'Keeviya Stephens, bonus brother Mark Wade Jr, all of El Dorado, AR.

He leaves behind his aunts TaMeko Carter, Ramonda Henry, and LeTeisha Henry. His uncle, Jason Townsend, and Robert Loggins ("Bub"). His nieces, SyMone Dream Carter and Sydnee Carter, both of El Dorado, AR, will forever hold their uncle's memory close.

His favorite aunt will always be TaMeko Carter. Wonk made sure everyone knew how close they were. He was often heard saying, "Londaree, I'm going with Meko!"

He also leaves behind a host of close cousins and friends who will deeply miss his laughter, energy, and love. The family would like to acknowledge Nefretiri A. Carter, a close friend who would do anything for Wonk and his father and whose support has been a blessing beyond measure.

In honor of Wonk, dance without rhythm, ask a good question, walk a dog, or sit on the porch and let the music play. That's how he lived. And that's how he'll always be remembered, real, raw, and full of heart.