St. George, Utah - Wilbur Lee "Bill" Carter passed away in his home in St. George, Utah on Monday February 29, 2016. The son of Glen and Ann Carter, Bill was born in Craig, Colorado on November 9, 1932 before spending most of his childhood in Riverton, Wyoming. A graduate of Riverton High School and the University of Wyoming, he remained a faithful "Pokes" fan throughout his life. On March 22, 1953, he married his High School sweetheart, Shirley Ann Drake. Bill and Shirley stood side by side through nearly 63 years of marriage.

Bill honorably served as an officer and fighter pilot in the United States Air Force. Flying the F-100 Super Sabre he regularly broke the sound barrier before that milestone was commonplace. On May 30, 1958 Lt. Carter's squadron was selected to fly the missing man formation over the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery as part of the interment ceremony for the unknown American service members who died in World War II and the Korean War.

Following his military service, Bill and Shirley returned to Wyoming to raise their son, Mike, and Daughter, Laurie. Back in Riverton, Bill began a successful career in banking that would take him to Albuquerque, Denver, and Phoenix, before ultimately retiring in St. George, Utah.

A passionate sports fan, he loved the Denver Broncos, he bled Dodger Blue, and was an avid golfer until the day he died. Above all, Bill found his greatest joys in his family. Whether cheering on his children and grandchildren on athletic fields and performing arts stages, or providing support and wisdom to his family in their academic, professional, military, and religious pursuits, his family was always first in his life. He felt his duty as a husband to Shirley was the most important role he ever played, taking care of her and putting her comfort ahead of his until the very end.

One of Bill's heroes, Jackie Robinson, once said, "A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives." All who knew him will dearly miss Bill Carter. He had a positive impact on all with whom he crossed paths. He will affectionately be remembered as a kind-hearted, honorable man who always put the welfare of others ahead himself.

Bill has been reunited with his parents, Glen and Ann who preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Ann Carter; his children: Michael Lee (Terri) Carter and Laurie Ann (Michael) Lundmark; four grandchildren: Scott (Bonnie), Dustin, Brooklyn (Jon), and Kellie; and two great-grandchildren, Emme and Jackson.

A private memorial service will be held on Friday March 4, 2016 at 12:00 p.m. at the Southgate LDS 3rd Ward Chapel, 1068 W. Chandler Dr., St. George, Utah.