Thomas "Willie" Willard Carter

Thomas Willard "Willie" Carter, 80 passed away on September 6, 2005 in Spokane, Washington.

Willie was born January 16, 1925 at St. Mary Medical Center in Walla Walla, Washington to Thomas John & Laura Johnson Carter. He grew up in Dayton, Washington and graduated from Dayton High School in 1943.

He entered the U.S. Army in November 1943 and was stationed in the Philippines during WWII. Following his discharge from the Army, he returned to Dayton and was employed by Columbia Market as a butcher.

He married Barbara Lee Alcorn on June 8, 1947 and they moved to Walla Walla later that year. Willie worked for Cash & Carry in Walla Walla until 1949, when he became a route driver for the 7-Up Bottling Company. After the business was sold, he became a sales manager for the Coca Cola Bottling Company. He retired in 1990 after more than 40 years in the beverage industry.

He was a charter member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles #2618 in Dayton, Washington. He also was a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge #287 and the VFW Grant Farmer Post #992 IN Walla Walla, Washington. He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed hunting & fishing. He also enjoyed attending local sporting events. After his retirement, he joined Walla Walla YMCA. He coached many basketball youth teams at the YMCA. He also volunteered with the local Hoop Shoot and Wa-Hi Big Blue boosters.

Private family interment. Memorial services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2005 at Chapel Herring Funeral Home with Father Ernest Campbell of St. Paul's Episcopal Church.