William F. "Bill" Carter

Bill was born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma on July 5, 1924 to Alice and William F. Carter Sr. In 1930, the family moved to Tyler, Texas, where Bill attended elementary and junior high school. Bill loved to tell stories of life in the oil boom years in Tyler and how he rode his horse to school and tied her to a tree during classes. In 1940, Bill's father passed away and the family moved to Austin. Bill graduated from Austin High School in 1942 and enrolled at Texas A&M.

He then enlisted in the U.S. Air Corp in 1943 during WW II and was a member of the 322nd Bomb Group and the 449th Bomb Squadron, completing missions stationed out of England and France as a turret gunner on the B-26.

After returning to Austin, he graduated the University of Texas in 1948. Bill joined the Aviation Cadet program with the U.S. Air Force. His flying years were very special in the C-97s and C-119s. After completion of his tour of duty during the Korean Conflict, he returned to Austin and began his business career with the electrical supply industry, and as member of the Air Force Reserve.

In December, 1967, he married the love of his life, Bette Card, and was welcomed into her family of three children, Bradford, Celeste and Carol.

1968 was quite busy with new family, new business, and then was called back to active duty flying C-124 transport planes to Viet Nam for 18 months.

Bill's passion and respect for the game of golf led to a lifetime of memories and travels with dear friends. He served as president of the Austin Country Club and was instrumental in the relocation from Riverside Drive to its current location.

Bill is preceded in death by his sister, Ann Carter Torrans, and brother-in-law Claude Torrans of Tyler.

Bill is survived by his wife of 46 years, Bette Carter. Children: Bradford Card and wife Kelly, Celeste Card Lovelace and husband Casey, and Caroline Card Parobek. Grandchildren: Lindsay Armstrong and husband Dunn, Carter Lovelace, Travis Parobek and wife Maggie, Chase Parobek, as well as one great granddaughter, Ella Armstrong.

Bill was very loved, honored and respected by his family and friends. He lived in the present and enjoyed his life immensely. He was an inspiration and teacher to many. He carried himself throughout life with a calm confidence. He was a loving and caring father, husband, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and son. We are the lucky ones to be blessed by his love and lessons.

Funeral services will be held at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 North Lamar Blvd., Wednesday, March 26th at 10 a.m. Reception following. Burial Service will be at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery, 2800 Hancock Dr. at 12 noon. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation to the charity of your choice.