William Craven Carter

William Craven Carter peacefully passed from this earth on April 1 in the loving presence of his wife and family. Mr. Carter was a long-time resident of Jacksonville, but had lived in Tallahassee for the past two years. He is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Carolyn Culpepper Carter, and three grateful children: Candace Carter McKibben (husband Bruce) of Tallahassee; Andrew Craven Carter and Annette Carter Waller (husband Raymond) of Jacksonville. He had nine grandchildren he adored: Shena Roper (husband, Josh), Susanne Gonzalez (husband Martin), Ryan McKibben (wife Amanda), Cory McKibben; Ashley Santos (husband Reuben), Renee Carter and Drew Carter; and Matthew Waller and Megan Waller. He had eight great-grandchildren who were his delight in old age: Rylee and Jackson Roper; Rowen, Ellie and Everett McKibben; Marcus Johnson and Jon Santos; and Carter Waller, named for him. Bill Carter was born on June 1, 1927, in Pearson, Georgia, the youngest of ten siblings born to Levi Joseph and Della Craven Carter. He was spoiled by his much older siblings which may be why he was sweet to the core all of his days. He moved to Jacksonville in 1936 and graduated from Lee High School in 1945. Bill was inducted into the Navy in October 1945 and honorably discharged in October 1952. It was as a seaman in the Navy, stationed in Jacksonville, that he met Carolyn, his life-long companion. The two were married on September 30, 1950, at Riverside Baptist Church where he later served as deacon and the chairman of many committees. He worked for many years at Duval Motor Company after his brief stint as an “oil magnate” when he owned and operated a small Texaco gas station. His supervisor wrote in his exit interview, “I consider Bill to be one of the best employees I have ever worked with.” In retirement Bill enjoyed working as a pink “man” at Riverside Hospital until it was closed. He was an amazing gardener and could fix almost anything, which he did regularly for family, neighbors and friends. His knowledge of small engines and how things functioned was marvelous, especially considering his lack of formal education or technical training. His legacy is his lifelong service to others, whether feeding the poor, delivering groceries to widows, taking people into his home, making household repairs for others, paying for someone’s rent or overnight stay at a hotel, or any number of other ways he found to assist anyone in need. Through many serious illnesses, and for many years, Bill was standing at the open doors of Riverside Baptist Church on Sunday morning to welcome all who came. There are a number of once ten-year-old boys out in this world who benefitted from his teaching and love in Sunday School. A celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, April 7, at Riverside Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida. The viewing will be from 10:30 am until 11:00 in the sanctuary and the service will begin at 11. The service is followed by lunch in the fellowship hall where a slideshow of Bill will bring a warm smile. The graveside service will be held at 1:30 at Riverside Memorial Park, 7242 Normandy Blvd. A service will also be held on Sunday, April 12 at 2:00 pm at Westminster Oaks McGuire Center, 4449 Meandering Way, Tallahassee. Memorial gifts may be made to Riverside Baptist Church, 2650 Park Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32204. Bill Carter was the sort of man who deeply touched the life of everyone who met him. The lessons he taught us, the love showed us and the memories he gave us will be forever treasured.