William Thomas Carter IV

Born (1940) and raised in Houston, Bill wore many professional hats: stock analyst at Rotan Mosle, Vice President at Union Bank, Board Member of Black Stone Minerals, and President of the Carter Investment Company. While Bill took pride in the work accomplished, it was the work done by the Family Service of Houston and Harris County (now Family Houston) of which he felt most proud, as he served on the board of the organization for 30 years.

Possessing an orderly mind and a keen sense of what was equitable and just, Bill firmly believed that everyone should have the opportunity to explore the world, to engage in meaningful work, and to realize one’s dreams. He further believed that it was essential that a community offer support and a sense of stability when set-backs were encountered.

The importance of community was apparent in all facets of Bill’s life–from lifelong friendships from his years at Kinkaid School, Lawrenceville School, Yale University, and Tuck School of Business (Dartmouth) to a devout loyalty to the men with whom he served in the Marines as a fighter pilot.

Bill also believed in the importance of smaller, more personal details. He believed in sitting in a specific chair at the dining room table; he believed in watching the PBS News Hour without interruption; he believed in cutting to the chase when on the receiving end of a political survey, at times announcing his choice of candidate before the first convoluted question was concluded. Bill believed in the importance of a weekly game of gin with dear friends sharing a lifetime of conversation over a hand of cards.

He understood the value of Bluebell Ice Cream in the freezer and a piece of Diner cake in the icebox, as well as a bottle of sparkling wine chilling (just in case) in order to celebrate family milestones. Central in the memories of his children will always be the perfect birthday card with a cherished note of “Don’t forget to ‘Live it up!’ I love you.”

Bill was predeceased by his first wife Heather (Edgar Carter) and his brother Bob (Robert Barrett Carter). He is survived by his wife Jill (Janet Thompson Carter), who kept his life charmed for thirty-six years, his sister Patricia (Carter Winkler), who could make him laugh like no one else, his five children, their partners and spouses, and five grandchildren.

Bill’s family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Parcside Memory Care at the Village of Southampton and the caregivers from Family Tree Private Care for their patience and

their kindness as well as the nurses on 6 Jones at Herman Memorial Hospital who converted a hospital room into an oasis of calm for Bill’s final days.

There will be a private family gathering for the interment of the ashes at Glenwood Cemetery.

In lieu of customary remembrances, donations in his memory may be directed to Family Houston by accessing the link below under 'Donations'.

We invite you to take a few moments to share memories and words of comfort and condolence with his family by selecting the 'Add a Memory' icon below.