Wilbur Lester Carter, age 66, of 414 Aquarius Drive, Wilmington fell asleep in the arms of Jesus on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 following a courageous seven year battle with cancer.

He was born April 11, 1942 in Hampstead and was the son of the late Huey Lester and Louise Batson Carter. He was also predeceased by his sister, Jewel Alford.

Surviving are his devoted wife of 32 years, Sherry Southerland Carter; brothers, Allen Carter (Beatrice), Joe Carter (Joyce) and Cecil Carter (Sue) all of Hampstead; many nieces and nephews and their children; father-in-law and mother-in-law, J. B. and Cozette Southerland of Wilmington and sister-in-law, Connie S. Robertson of Wilmington.

Wilbur was a faithful member of Blakes Chapel Advent Christian Church where he currently served on the Trustee Board.

He played and coached baseball and softball, making many treasured friendships along the way. He also loved fishing and oystering with his brothers.

Following his retirement from General Electric Company in 1999 he spent many hours renovating his family's home place in Hampstead.

The family will receive friends at the Carter Home Place, 1812 Watts Landing Road in Hampstead from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Saturday and 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Funeral service will be conducted by his friend, Pastor Buddy Dowd at 2:00 p.m. Monday, December 22, 2008 at Blakes Chapel Advent Christian Church.

Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Casketbearers will be Bill Alexander, Ronnie Burns, Roscoe Johnson, Carl Waddell, Butch Edens, and Michael Byers.

Honorary bearers will be Al Smith, Jr., Owen Martin, Jimmy Batson and Bud Chadwick.

The family wishes to thank the many friends who supported them during Wilbur's illness. Special thanks to the wonderful staff at the Hospice Care Center.

Memorial gifts may be given to Blakes Chapel Advent Christian Church, 88 Blakes Chapel Rd., Hampstead, NC 28443 or to Lower Cape Fear Hospice Foundation, 2222 S. 17th St., Wilmington, NC 28401.

To Wilbur's many friends and the entire community Sherry would like to thank you for every kindness shown -prayers, visits, cards and all expressions of love and concern for the last seven years. We thank God, our Heavenly Father, for the gift of family and friends. We pray His eternal blessings to all.

Wilbur was a man of God who served his Lord, his family, his church and his community unceasingly. Wilbur blessed the lives of many and leaves behind a legacy of love, faith and kindness.

Condolences may be sent to www.quinnmcgowen.com
Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Burgaw.