Nov. 23, 1927 – May 10, 2019
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, brother, uncle and grandfather, Wildon “Bill” Jenkins Carter, 91. Bill slipped away peacefully in the late hours of May 10, 2019, in St. George, Utah, after a long battle with dementia. He was born Nov. 23, 1927, in Minersville, Utah, to Horace Lightner and Maggie Frances LeFevre Carter.
Bill was the eighth of 12 children, growing up in a two-bedroom and one-bath house. His hardships quickly shaped him into the strong and hard-working man we adored.
Bill’s adventurous spirit pushed him to join the United States Air Force, where he proudly served for 22 years and rose to the rank of senior master sergeant. Serving in the Air Force provided him many opportunities to travel the world.
While stationed at Edwards Air Force Base in California, he met the love of his life, Anna Mae Cook. They were married Dec. 2, 1950, in Las Vegas, Nevada. They were later sealed for time and all eternity on June 17, 1967, in the Salt Lake City Temple.
Bill passed just seven short months after his beloved wife of 67 years. Not only was he a loving husband, but he also loved his three sons and two daughters dearly. He worked tirelessly to provide for them.
After retiring from the military he spent the remainder of his working years serving his clients at Farmers Insurance in St. George, Utah.
There are many good people in the world, but there is a special group that you describe as great. Anybody who knew Bill will tell you that he truly was one of the greats. He was an avid storyteller and would get a special twinkle in his eye as he told you about his childhood experiences. He was devoted to God and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
He loved the outdoors and spending time with family, hunting, fishing and staying at their cabin. He always placed special importance on developing a strong family unit. Bill and Anna created a welcoming home packed full of loved ones almost every weekend and holidays. He was incredibly selfless and was the first to help those in a time of need. He taught us by the example of hard work, humility, integrity and to respect one another.
Bill leaves behind a strong legacy of family and love. He is survived by his children Danny (Trudy) Carter of Salt Lake City, Utah, Kathy (Rick) Roche of St. George, Utah, Frank (Susie) Carter of St. George, Utah, Nancy (David) Theobald of Toquerville, Utah; sister Barbara Joy Granger of La Habra, California; 13 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Anna Carter; son Paul Carter; his parents and 10 siblings.
The family would like to thank the amazing hospice team at Community Nursing Service for the compassionate and dedicated service they provide Bill during his final days.
Funeral services
- Funeral service will be held Saturday, May 18, at 11 a.m. at the Metcalf Mortuary Chapel, 288 West St. George Blvd., St. George, Utah.
- Visitations will be held at the mortuary Friday from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday prior to services at 9:30-10:30 a.m.
- Interment will be at the St. George City Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221.
For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings please visit Metcalf Mortuary online.