Larry William Carter

Larry William Carter, age 70 of Goodyear, AZ died January 21, 2019 in Goodyear, AZ. He was born May 13, 1948 in Perth Amboy, NJ to Herbert and Marian Carter. Larry was a member of the US Marine Corps from June 30, 1966 – 1995, achieving the rank of Gunnery Sergeant specializing in Ground Safety. He served several tours of duty in Vietnam and also served in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He received numerous commendations for his service including the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 bronze star, and Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Medal with Palm).

Although Larry was deployed in stations around the world, his family remained at home, patiently awaiting his return. He met his wife, Alice during the Vietnam War. She had volunteered to write a soldier and picked Larry’s name. Their love blossomed as they faithfully wrote each other and they began dating after he returned home. They were soon married. They raised four daughters who loved the souvenirs their father would bring home to them as well as the camping adventures that he would take them on.   When grandchildren came, Larry found a new love – and a reason to stay alive.

Larry was a maker and a handyman! He could fix anything that was broken. He loved wood working and frequently made furniture pieces and bird houses for his children and grandchildren. He loved to teach his grandchildren how to build and they loved learning those skills from their grandfather!

Larry is survived by his wife, Alice Carter; daughters, Nancy (Chris) Bates, Sarah Herrington, Mandy (Jaime) Fierro, and Kim (Carter) Anderson; mother, Marian Carter; brother, John Carter; and grandchildren, Sierra and Dane Bates; Hunter, Gryffon, and Feynx Herrington, and Maritza , Brianna, Fierro, Emme and Avery Anderson. He was preceded in death by his father, Herbert Carter.

Larry was proud to be a marine and his life exemplified the best that our country has to offer. He was a good friend, a great husband, father and grandfather. Semper Fi Devil Dog! A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm,  Friday, March 22, 2019 at Thompson Funeral Chapel, 926 S. Litchfield Road, Goodyear, AZ 85338. The family suggests that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.