Floyd Winston Carter Jr.

U.S. Navy (Retired)

October 8, 1938 – April 30, 2025

Captain Floyd Winston Carter, Jr., U.S. Navy (Retired), of Collierville, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 30, 2025, at the age of 86. Born in Sheffield, Alabama, on October 8, 1938, Floyd lived a life marked by devotion - to his country, his faith, and his family.

A 26-year veteran of the United States Navy, Captain Carter served as a navigator on anti-submarine warfare aircraft and commanded Patrol Squadron 44 in Brunswick, Maine. His commitment to excellence and leadership was evident throughout his career. He earned a master’s degree from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, and went on to serve in numerous Anti-Submarine Warfare units along the East Coast.

In addition to his operational service, Captain Carter played a vital role in shaping future generations of sailors. He served as Chief of Staff for Recruit Training, Aviation Training, and as Foreign Military Sales Coordinator on the Naval Aviation Training staff in Millington, Tennessee. He was awarded the prestigious Legion of Merit for his outstanding innovations and improvements in training young sailors.

Yet to Floyd, no title or honor surpassed his identity as a follower of Christ and a man who loved his family deeply. He was married for 61 years to the love of his life, Sylvia, and often credited her unwavering support and love as the cornerstone of his success. He never missed an opportunity to tell her how much he loved her. Their life together was a true love story and was a testament to partnership, service, and commitment to the Lord.

Floyd also served faithfully in his church community. A devoted Bible teacher, he led a Sunday morning Bible study for over 15 years at Fire Station 21 in Memphis, Tennessee and held various leadership roles in ministry. Floyd found joy in life’s simple pleasures - motorcycling, woodworking, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He especially loved making barbeque. His BBQ was legendary in the family, and the memories made around meals will be cherished forever.

Floyd experienced serious health issues in the last four years of his life which led to his being disabled and homebound, yet he exuded incredible joy and gratitude. His unwavering faith and sweet spirit were a living witness to his faith.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sylvia Teresa Carter; his daughters, Kim McDaniel (Mark) of Collierville, Tennessee; Lynn Boone (Dan) of Nixa, Missouri; and honorary daughter, Karin Caouette of Collierville, Tennessee. Grandchildren – Sara McDaniel, Mark McDaniel, Jr. (Hannah), John McDaniel (Nicki), Alexandra Taylor (Mark), Daniel Boone (Cherith), Katie Jones (Ethan), Carter Boone (Elizabeth), Caleb Boone, Christian Boone, Addison Boone, Ariah Boone; and two great grandchildren, Mark McDaniel, III and Charlotte Taylor. A sister Martha Miller of Florence, Alabama and beloved extended family members also survive him.

Family and friends are invited to a short visitation with the family on May 9, 2025, from 9:00 – 9:45 am at Collierville Funeral Home located at 3863 Bailey Station Road, Collierville, Tennessee. A brief graveside service with military honors will follow at 10:00 am at West Tennessee State Veteran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Wounded Warriors, in honor of Captain Carter’s legacy of service, love and faith.