Former Oologah High School Point Guard Tracy Carter Passes Away, Leaving His Wife Carol Bitting of 56 Years!

February 3, 2026

This article was last updated by Aditi Rai on February 3, 2026

Tracy Carter took his last breath just a few days after celebrating their 56th wedding anniversary with his wife, Carol Bitting Carter.

Former point guard Tracy Carter passed away peacefully on January 25, 2026, at his home on Saturday morning.

Born on December 14, 1946, in Nowata, Oklahoma, to Dan and Oleta Carter, Tracy spent most of his early years in Chelsea before moving to Oologah, where his father was the superintendent of the Will Rogers Birthplace.

He showcased his athletic talents as the point guard on Oologah High School’s 965 State Championship basketball team.

Tracy began his college education at Bacone College in Muskogee on a basketball scholarship before transferring to Northeastern State University.

Later, Tracy Carter transitioned his career as a dental technician. He founded Carter Dental Lab, serving dental offices throughout the state.

Music was a lifelong passion for Tracy, who started playing guitar at a young age. He performed with various bands throughout his life, including “The Executives” in Muskogee and most recently with “RendevouX.”

Tracy Carter and Carol Bitting, a Married Couple of 56 Years, Shared Two Children, Jeff and Melissa!

Tracy is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, ; son, Jeff Carter, and wife, Brooke; daughter, ; and husband, .

He also left behind his grandchildren Lily, Harper, Micco, and wife Audrey, Angel, Brent, Clara, and Katie; great-granddaughter Hope; brother-in-law Bill Adams; father-in-law Walter Hall; and wife Erma.

Speaking of their marriage, it was during Tracy Carter’s senior year when he met Carol Bitting. Later, Tracy and Carol tied the knot on January 17, 1969, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

On their 53rd wedding anniversary, he shared their wedding photo, : “HAPPY ANNIVERSARY… to the love of my life… 53 years, and counting. I’d do it all over again, in a heartbeat..!!“

Tracy cherished extended vacations to Port Aransas, TX, with Carol, where they would walk the beaches of St. Joe Island, collect shells, and search for shark teeth.

A graduate of Northeastern State University, Carol Bitting Carter is a retired teacher at Jenks Public School.

Carol, a supportive wife, shared Tracy’s involvement in music even during his last days with their band, The RendevouX Band, on her Facebook.

Back in 2013, she shared a picture of Tracy playing guitar for his parents, who were dancing to his guitar rhythms. She wrote:

Tracy’s mom & dad still like to dance when he plays. Age (91 & 88)

Tracy and Carol’s daughter, Melissa Carter Siemens, penned a lengthy eulogy for Tracy, which reads:

My sweet dad, Tracy Lee Carter, passed away early this morning, January 25th, 2026 after a hard fought battle. He was surrounded by family and great friends. I know he is playing “Old Time Rock and Roll” in heaven right now.

Melissa Carter Siemens

“My dad was our rockstar, an amazing Papa, and the best storyteller. Whether he was walking on the beach with my mom, sharing stories about playing basketball, or blasting his favorite tunes for friends he was the very best,” Melissa talked highly of her father.

Thank you for your kind words and prayers. I love you forever Dad. Proud to be your daughter.

An avid outdoorsman, Tracy inherited his love of hunting from his father and shared this passion with friends and his son, Jeff.

Likewise, Tracy also enjoyed golfing, spending countless hours on courses with family and friends, and collecting Ping putters.

He loved following his grandchildren’s sports teams and cheering for the Sooners.

A celebration of life will be held on February 4, 2026, at 10:30 am at Harvard Avenue Christian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

In Case You Didn’t Know

• Former point guard Tracy Carter was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Sherylen Adams.
• Tracy Carter’s granddaughter, Lily Siemens, is an athlete. She plays football.
• A man of deep faith, Tracy Carter was a longtime Sheridan Avenue Christian Church member, serving as Deacon and Chairman of the Board.
• Most recently, he had become an active member of the “Challengers” Sunday School class at Harvard Avenue Christian Church.

• Check other Articles on

Aditi is an avid music lover whose interest's goes beyond the realm of music, with passion in digital marketing. A Gen Z who loves her personal space and is keen to exploring new things. An optimist who seeks silver lining in every circumstances life throws at her.

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