Willard Don Carter

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Visitation Schedule
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
6:00-7:00 p.m.,
Service Schedule
Immanuel Baptist Church
501 N. Shackleford Road
Little Rock, AR  72211
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
1:00 p.m.,
Willard Don Carter

of Little Rock, AR

August 29, 1927 - September 29, 2014

Willard Don Carter, 87, of Little Rock went to be with his Lord and Savior on September 29, 2014. He was born August 29, 1927 in the Crossroads Community of Prairie County, AR to the late Robert Lee Carter and Sadie Catherine Carter. On August 9, 1946, he married the love of his life, Norma Jean Rogers. They were married 68 years.

Don graduated from Beebe High School in 1945 where he played basketball and football. His basketball team came in second in the 1944 State Championship against Little Rock Central High. He was a graduate of Arkansas State Teachers College. Don taught high school and coached basketball for eleven years at Brown Grove, Ulm, DeValls Bluff, and Des Arc where he was loved by students and faculty alike. His teams won several district championships from 1952 to 1957.

In 1957, he went to work for the Arkansas Rehabilitation Service, first as a counselor, and then in 1968 he became the Personnel Director until his retirement in 1986. During his career, his positions and accomplishments include President of Eastern AR Social Workers Conference, President of Regional Rehab Counselor Division, and President of West Memphis Boys' Club. He also served as Chairman of Deacons at West Memphis First Baptist Church, and for the last 46 years, he served as a deacon at Immanuel Baptist Church of Little Rock.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Rayford, Herman, and Robert Carter; and three sisters: Ila Berry, Elora Berry, and Geneva Crowder. He is survived by his wife, Jean Carter; son, Dr. Mike Carter (Gena) of Conway; daughter, Carolyn Williams (Ray) of Little Rock; grandchildren: Leslie Lloyd (Chris) of Conway, Stephen Carter (Melissa) of Fayetteville, Kevin Carter (Samantha) of Conway, Christy Lax (Chris) of Little Rock, and Cara Dean (Nathan) of Little Elm, TX; and eight great-grandchildren: Madison and Carter Lloyd, Elsa and June Carter, William Lax, and Henry, Wesley, and Allie Dean.

He leaves a legacy of faith, love, and hope for all who knew him. His stories and laughter will be missed by friends and family.

The private graveside service will be Wednesday morning at Pinecrest Memorial Park. The celebration of Don's life will be held at 1:00 P.M., Wednesday, October 1, 2014, at Immanuel Baptist Church Sanctuary, 501 N. Shackleford Rd., Little Rock, AR 72211, (501)376-3071. The family will receive friends from 6:00 7:00 P.M., Tuesday, September 30, 2014 at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR 72211, (501)224-8300.

If you would like to honor Don's memory with a donation, the family suggests Gideons International, 113 N. Division Street, Guthrie, OK 73044, (405)282-4422 or Immanuel Baptist Church, Bereavement Fund.


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8 Condolence(s)
Libbie Dougan
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Miss Jean, Please forgive my tardiness. I am cleaning off my desk, for The Christmas holidays, and, found this. I still want to let you know that I have prayed for God to hold you close, and, comfort you. And, He will. My husband died three years ago. My faith has seen me through, as I know that yours will.
Libbie T. Dougan Phil.4:13

Des Arc Class of 1955
Des Arc, AR
Liked
Monday, October 6, 2014

Don was our class sponsor for our senior year, and we loved him.

Mary Jane (Jones) Maroney
Jacksonville, AR
Liked
Monday, October 6, 2014

Des Arc Class of 1955

Steven J. Ellis
Dallas,
Liked
Thursday, October 2, 2014

Dear Carter family;

My brother, Greg, my mother, Edith, and I will always be so grateful for the way in which Don (and Gene) befriended my father, Austin, during their time together at Immanuel. Dad often spoke so appreciatively of Don. We are sorry for your loss but encouraged by heaven's gain.

Steven J Ellis

Sharon Williams
Little Rock,
Liked
Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Dear Carter Family,

Nick and I were saddened to learn of Don's passing. He was a gentleman and a great neighbor.

With sympathy,
Nick and Sharon Williams

Benton Johnson
Conway, AR
Liked
Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Dear Carter family,

I am deeply saddend at the loss of a great man. Please know that you will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Best Regards,

Benton, Leslie and Kathleen

Mary Grace Smith
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, September 30, 2014

I am Mary Grace, daughter of Johnie and Jessie Smith of Hickory Plains. Don was always dear to our family and loved by all. I brought mother to the Anniversity Party at Immanuel and it was a pleasure to meet all of his family. I also knew him from State Government. My thoughts and prayers go out to Jean and all of the family.

Bill and Virginia Clements
Conway, AR
Liked
Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Mike, Gena and family, May the Lord strenghen you as you go through the months to come. We are praying for you and and your family.

Love, Virginia and Bill Clements