Billy Wilson Carter, 83, passed away at his home in Ozark, Missouri on April 21, 2018 after a short illness.

He was born on November 24, 1934 to Woodrow Wilson Carter, Sr. and Hazel Florene (Mathis) Carter in Maud, Texas. Following graduation from Maud High School, he joined the Texas National Guard and then transferred to the U.S. Air Force where he served a distinguished career, retiring after 33 years as a Command Chief Master Sergeant. His Air Force jobs included aircraft and missile maintenance, strategic missile evaluation, and senior enlisted advisor to numerous installation commanders. His long career took him to several states and overseas to Germany, Libya, Turkey, Thailand and Johnston Island in the Pacific Ocean. His multiple military awards and decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the USAF Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Combat Readiness Medal, Aircrew Wings and Master Missile Badge. He was a life member of the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

After his retirement Billy pursued his passion for golf and hunting with some of his fondest memories of deer hunting in west Texas  with his brother Woody and his nephews, Steve Carter and Billy Mark Carter.

In addition to his parents, Billy was preceded in death by his sister Anna Maries (Polly) Sanderson and his brother, Doyle Gene Carter. He is survived by Linda (nee McGuffee), his wife of 44 years, his son David Carter of Lompoc, California; his brother Woodrow W. Carter, Jr. and his wife, Billie Marie of Mesquite, Texas; his sister Ida Lou West and her husband Bob of Daingerfield, Texas; his sister-in-law Lana Carter of Bedford, Texas; his miniature schnauzer Ruby; many nieces and nephews and a host of family, friends and neighbors.

Visitation will be from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Friday May 4 ^th , 2018 in the Chapel at Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Home at Rivermonte, 4500 South Lone Pine, Springfield, Missouri 65804. A Funeral Service will follow at 12:30. Burial with full military honors to follow at 2pm at Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 5201 S Southwood Rd, Springfield, MO 65804. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking memorial donations be made to the charity of your choice.