Carter Barhite

Carter Barhite-Forever 21-passed away on February 16, 2026, at home In East Ridge TN surrounded by family & friends, this is a reminder that youth is a double-edged sword—blessed with energy and cursed with the belief that one is immortal.

Carter had asprations of becoming an entrepreneur, he planned to take over the world just as soon as he figured out how to buy  beer without an ID. Let's face it; if there was any industry in alcoholic beverages, fast cars, pretty girls, and a signature Jumpman on everything, he would be a billionaire by now. There’s no doubt he lived life like every day was Saturday night, always finding time for some ATL beats and  Chillin' with friends. Little did we know, he took “Only The Good Die Young” straight to heart.

His journey through life included stellar academics at East Ridge High School, where he excelled in computer science and won a boatload of awards with the 4-H club—think of a more laid-back version of Bill Gates, who also enjoyed driving fast and flirting with pretty girls. Carter was the kind of guy who could light up a room with his huge smile or leave it dark and dim when he was having a bad day. Nonetheless, he was forever a humble soul, aimed at lifting others up around him—in other words, he was the cool friend who let you borrow his favorite hoodie and then forget about it.

This vibrant spirit, who perceived himself as bulletproof, was remarkably easygoing, often prioritizing laughter over the burdens of life. He truly had a knack for making friends as easily as most of us breathe—no small feat! Whether it was a spontaneous party or just hanging out with his fiancée Kalyn Harris or his best friend Freddie Moran, he always arrived with a mission to ensure that no one felt excluded.

Carter leaves behind a loving mother, Jamie McGuire, his stepfather Jeff McGuire, grandmother Jennifer Adams, and a loyal friend in Freddie Moran. He also leaves a spot permanently etched in the hearts of everyone who knew him. Sadly, the good guys, like Carter, often leave us too soon—just remember that he would say those departed from our world now have a legitimate reason to crack open a cold one with him.

He may be gone, but he has undoubtedly joined the ranks of legends, forever 21, enjoying a laugh somewhere beyond the grasp of our earthly realm—probably with a beer in hand, a few hot cars in the driveway, and lots of pretty girls to chat with. So, here's to Carter Barhite: the boy who lived life fully and unapologetically, and who may now finally understand the ultimate punchline: that’s right, Carter, you’re the only one who can truly say you’ve completed Level 21!