William R Carter

William R. Carter (known to friends as Bill) passed away at the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home in Southern Maryland on Sunday, July 17, 2022. Bill is predeceased by Elizabeth T. Carter (Betty), his wife and co-traveler of 62 years. He is survived by his son Christopher T. Carter (FL), and daughter Jennifer Carter.

Bill Carter lived an interesting life. He enlisted in the Navy at 17, fibbing that his mother had given permission for him to enlist. Bill encountered nine invasions by the time he was nineteen. His years with the Navy supported his desire to learn electronics and apply his knowledge to communications. Bill was transported throughout the Pacific arena installing communications sites. He achieved the rank of Electrician’s Mate First Class.

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) recruited Bill after his discharge from the Navy. Bill successfully completed many college courses with several institutions, including Strayer, that pertained to his work. He rose through the ranks over 30 years in the Agency as a nearly fearless leader who was known to quickly generate and weigh possible paths to resolve issues, and to calculate the risks involved – then act with alacrity and dispatch (DAD’s PHRASE!) to accomplish great things. Minutes counted for several missions. There was no time to request and gain approval back from the States. His decisions were made, and actions carried out with positive outcomes. Bill’s leadership and swift calls to action were effective, and some for the purpose of saving many lives, yet a few earned him being ‘written up’ for not following chain of command and waiting for approval. Ironically, these reprimands were overturned with numerous awards and official recognition for meritorious service, and Senior Intelligence Service, including letters from Gail Donnally, Director of the CIA Admiral Stansfield Turner, and Pres. Jimmy Carter.

Bill bravely stood his ground for what was right. Coworkers and followers respected Bill’s leadership built on honesty, fairness, and intelligence. They would affectionately call Dad ‘Sweet Old Bill’ (this humorously shared an acronym with S.O.B.!). Performing in various roles, Bill executed many tough decisions. He would never ask anyone to do anything he would not do himself, and frequently stepped in to support in ‘getting the job done’. In his Agency career, Bill served as a leader and diplomat. He travelled throughout the world and lived overseas stationed with his family in Japan (where Jennifer was born), Okinawa, and Greece. Many stories abound – both humorous and some extremely serious. Bill enjoyed learning each country’s culture along with its fabulous cuisine. One year in Greece, Bill made his own wine – as the kind Greek visitors to their flat would say upon tasting it, “Mr. Carter, I will bring you some GOOD wine!”. He developed warm relationships with those working under him as well as indigenous employees.

Bill dedicated himself to providing his family with opportunities for a wonderful, sometimes extraordinary, life. Betty and Bill joined the Kenwood Country Club. They delighted in delicious meals and personal attention, becoming part of the Kenwood family. The friendly solicitous staff doted on us as they do all members.

Bill chose to further apply his knowledge and expertise by working in private industry after his retirement from the CIA. He and Betty traveled as often as they could. Bethany had caught their hearts early in the fifties. Betty and Bill provided terrific family beach excursions for one week per year when they were in country. In the eighties, they built a wonderful beach house there. Holiday block parties with close neighbors and friends there happily punctuated their stays in Bethany. Loads of pot luck dishes, drinks, badminton, and playing bocci with spotlights until after dark solidified the community feeling of the neighborhood. Often, especially in the last decade after Betty’s passing, Bill travelled with Jennifer to Bethany where he formed even closer friendships new and old. Friends at the Parkway, Blue Crab and SummerSalts restaurants would call him “Dad”, and looked forward to his coming in. Many fun meals were shared with Bill and Jennifer’s mutual friend, Bob Cubbision.

Bill taught himself stained glass techniques. In addition to utilizing his creative skills, it seems the challenge and engineering involved in this art fascinated Bill. He worked to perfect his process, even creating earrings with Jennifer’s help. His larger pieces hang in the Bethany home, including a Tiffany style dining room lamp. In later years, Bill lovingly labored on small stained glass butterflies, shamrocks, ‘boots’ (as he called the little Christmas stockings with a dangling bell), candles, snowmen, and more. He loved surprising friends, restaurant staff and owners (who became friends), and sometimes children he thought would appreciate his artwork, with the small treasures. A few friends find it an honor to be among those who ‘have the whole collection’ as gifted by Bill (“Dad!” to friends).

A Celebration of Life for Bill will take place in the future.

As a Life Member of the VFW, and member of VFW Post 7234, the Post will present a military send-off for Bill; date to be determined.

A ceremony for the interment of Bill’s ashes at Arlington Cemetery will happen at a later date when a space in their schedule opens.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Operation SEAs the Day in Bill’s name:

Operation SEAs The Day is organized and operated as a 501(c)(3) public charity https://operationseastheday.org/

All donations are tax-deductible.

P.O. Box 811

Bethany Beach, DE 19930