Ray Carter

Ray Carter, age 84, of Woolmarket, died Sat. Aug. 30, 2008, in Biloxi.
He was born Jan. 14, 1924 in McLaurin, MS to the late John A.P. Carter and Kitty Belle Carter. Ray Carter was a proud combat veteran of WWII. He served in the US Army from 1943-1945 as a machine gunner in the campaigns of Normandy (D-Day), Northern France, Ardennes (Battle of The Bulge), Rhineland, and Central Europe.
After leaving the Army, he moved to Biloxi, and later retired from the Civil Service at KAFB, having served as crew chief of the Fire Department. Mr. Carter was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason. He was active in the Woolmarket Lions Club, member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans and Sons of the American Revolution. He was a longtime member of Coalville United Methodist Church.
After his retirement, he enjoyed farming, politics, storytelling, jokes, and walking with friends. The defining characteristic of his life was the love and devotion he showed to all of his family. He was the epitome of how a husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, uncle, brother and a brother-in-law should live his life. He was a champion of encouraging young people to pursue their education and dreams. He will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his sisters: Faye Carter Morse and Annie Margaret Carter Hartfield; brothers: J.A.P. Carter, Burl D. Carter, Malcolm Ross Carter, and Rogers Carter.
Survivors include his devoted wife of 47 years, Verna Rushing Carter; daughter, Victoria Carter Saucier and husband Nolon Saucier, Jr.; his grandchildren, Nolon III, Mary Victoria and Anna Elisabeth, all of Gulfport; a son, John Steven Robbins and his wife Jean Stojcich Robbins of Woolmarket; grandsons: Jason Robbins, Biloxi, Eric Robbins and his wife Sharon Howell Robbins; great-grandchildren, Matthew Thomas and Michael Eric all of Port Orange, FL; a brother, Andrew Denham """"Pete"""" Carter, McLaurin; sister, Kitty Carter Johnson, Ft. Walton Beach, FL; six sisters-in-law, 2 brothers-in-law; and many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2008, at Coalville United Methodist Church, where friends may visit from 9-11 a.m. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m.
Burial will be in Coalville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Coalville United Methodist Church, 12298 Shorecrest Road, Biloxi, MS 39532.
RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Rd., Gulfport, is in charge of arrangements, and an online guestbook may be signed at riemannfamily.com.