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Mr. William Ray “Billy” Carter, 64, of Cornatzer Road, Mocksville, died Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023 at his home.

He was born on April 12, 1958 in Davie County to Morrison Gray and Ruby Nell Everhart Carter of Advance.

Billy was a member of Cornatzer Baptist Church and attended Freedom Baptist Church. He was a general contractor for over 40 years and was a retired firefighter with Cornatzer-Dulin Volunteer Fire Department. He traveled as a volunteer on mission trips with NC Baptist Men and with Samaritan’s Purse and also volunteered with Blaise Baptist Church Handyman and Disaster Relief Team. Billy loved the Lord and walked with him daily and shared his faith with whomever he met. He had coached Little League and travel baseball and was an avid collector of antiques and sports memorabilia. He had a passion for cooking and often shared with others. The most important people in his life were his family and he was always a proud father and grandfather.

He was preceded in death by: a sister, Sandra Cope; a niece, Kimberly Doby; nephew-in-law, David Mock; great-nephew, Hunter Tate; and father-in-law, Norman T. Smith.

In addition to his parents, survivors include: his wife of 41 years, Vanessa Smith Carter; 2 children, Brennan Opanasenko (Paul) of Raleigh and Shane Carter (Courtney) of Farmville; a granddaughter, whom he called “Pumpkin”, Nora Mae Opanasenko; 4 siblings, Morrison Carter of Mexico, Paul Carter (Tammie) of Advance, Ann Hardin (Terry) of Mocksville, and Karen Carter of Advance; mother-in-law, Ella Smith of Mocksville; brother and sisters-in-law, Dwayne Smith (Lesa), Shanda Smith, and Taran Smith, all of Mocksville; and a host of nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be conducted at 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23 at Freedom Baptist Church with Pastors Billy Louya, Justin Barkley, and Ken Furches officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. A private interment will be conducted prior, in Cornatzer Baptist Church Cemetery.

Memorials may be considered for: Blaise Baptist Church Handyman Ministries, 134 Blaise Church Road, Mocksville, NC 27028.

Online condolences: www.eatonfuneralservice.com.