Elijah, affectionately known as "Tish, Lija, Dude" was the eleventh child of Dover and Bessie Lee Carter and was born June 27, 1948 in Alston Georgia. He departed this life on Thursday, July 25, 2024 in the Veterans Hospital after a short illness.

Elijah came to Philadelphia PA at the age of six months, residing most of his life in Mantua. He accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at an early age and was baptized at First United Baptist Church. His favorite gospel song was "Peace Be Still" by Rev. James Cleveland. Elijah also enjoyed Jazz and he had an extensive collection of vinyl records. He was educated in the Philadelphia Public School system.

Elijah enlisted in the United States Army on March 20, 1967. He completed basic training and was a member of the 101st Airborne Division. From December of 1967 to December 1968 he served in Vietnam, Troop "A", 2nd Squadron, 17th U.S. Calvary First Brigade. While in the U. S. Army he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, a Parachute Badge, a Purple Heart, an Army Commendation Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, a Bronze Star Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, a Combat Medical Badge, and the Gallantry Cross with a Silver Star.

Elijah married the love of his life Theresa "Tresa" McNeil in 1976 and to this union two sons were added, Kyle Hakeim and Corey Elijah. Theresa remained a faithful companion throughout his life and especially during the time of his illness.

In his early years, Elijah and some of his brothers sold peanuts. He worked for the Tredyffrin School District for a brief period of time and the Philadelphia Bulletin. in 1985 he started selling watermelons at 84th and Lindberg Blvd., following in his father Dover's footsteps. Dover too had run a watermelon business in Mantua for more than forty-five years. Elijah's business was known as "Carter's Watermelons." He received extensive publicity from the local television stations and newspapers, and he too became known as "The Watermelon Man."

In 2024, when Elijah's illness prevented him from operating this business, his sons Corey and Kyle opened the business in his honor. They have vowed to keep his legacy going.

Elijah leaves to treasure his memory Theresa, two sons; Kyle, Corey, four grandchildren; Ara Terae, Corey Elijah Jr., Kyan, Maasai Sekou, six siblings; David, Mary, Aaron, Obadiah, Joshua, Bessie, many nieces, Nephews, great nieces and nephews and a host of friends and acquaintances.

In Loving Memory

The Family