Charles William Carter

Charles William (Bill) Carter, 97, of Fort Worth, went to meet his Lord and Savior Monday, November 4, 2019. He was born in Denison, Texas, on January 29, 1922 to James Emil Carter and Francis Irene Moore. Visitation is at 2 with Services immediately following at 3 on Saturday, November 9 at Laurel Land Chapel of the Chimes, 7100 Crowley Road, Fort Worth, Texas.

He was called Billy during his youth and Bill as an adult. In his youth, Bill's father was a supervisor on the Katy Railroad in Denison. His family being transferred to Dallas during the depression, Bill graduated from Adamson High School in Oak Cliff. After graduating, Bill followed in his father's footsteps working for the railroad as an Electrician Apprentice.

In 1943, Bill fell in love and married Cloia Marie Weaver. A year later he went to Camp Fannin Boot Camp in Tyler in preparation for WWII. In April 1945 they welcomed their first son, Charles Wayne, into the world who he briefly saw before departing for the Philippines.

Upon return from WWII, Marie and Bill welcomed David Lee in March 1947 and Linda Kay in October 1949. While supporting a growing family, Bill attended Radio Repair School in Dallas until 1948. He began employment for General Dynamics in Fort Worth in June 1948, and in September 1951, Bill enrolled at Texas Christian University on his GI Bill while working full time at General Dynamics. He graduated in three years Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Accounting later becoming a Certified Public Accountant.

Upon graduation, he moved his family to Arlington and began his 32 years tenure at General Motors in the Financial Department. Working full time wasn't enough for Bill so he volunteered to help mentor youth in Junior Achievement for six years. He also coached little league and baseball with his two sons for several years.

Five years after losing Cloia Marie, Bill found a new love in his life, Doris Hall Nantz. They were married in May 1971. They enjoyed each other's company while singing, dancing, reading books, playing cards, traveling, and laughing together for 46 years. They shared their love for Christ at Southcliff Baptist Church for over 30 years. They were both members of the Early Bird Sunday School class and Bill was a member of the Church Choir for numerous years.

After he retired in 1987 he didn't put his feet up. He did right the opposite. Bill volunteered to file tax returns through AARP for 26 years. He finally quit helping fellow citizens in his early 90s.

Bill didn't like to talk about combat during his war years. It wasn't until 2017 that his son David researched his dad's military records and found he was in the Battle of Luzon and decorated with the Philippine Independence Ribbon, two overseas service bars, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon with one bronze star, Good Conduct Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one bronze star and the Victory Ribbon. He was also a sharp shooter and received the Combat Infantry badge. A soldier is decorated with a bronze star for heroic or meritorious achievement. Bill received two bronze stars which he never shared with anyone over the years.

Bill is survived by his two sons, Charles Wayne and wife, Martha, and David Lee and wife, Lucy; three stepchildren, Sharolyn, Mike, and Andy; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his wife, Doris of 46 years; first wife, Cloia Marie; daughter, Linda Kay; parents, James and Francis; and brothers and sisters, Elmer, Doris, Gerri, and Roy.