William Lee Carter

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.

 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.” 

~  II Timothy 4:6-7

      William Lee Carter took his earthly rest to begin his heavenly life in God’s infinite wisdom on December 9, 2020. William Lee Carter was born November 13, 1929 as he turned 91 years young. William L. Carter was the fourth child of 13 children to the late Herbert Lee and Alsie Jordan Carter in Southampton County, Virginia. 

     At an early age, William Lee joined the Jerusalem Baptist Church in Jarratt, VA. William Lee loved God and often quoted scriptures or a favorite song. William Lee attended the public schools in Sussex, VA. At the age of seventeen, William Lee left Virginia and moved north to Plainfield, New Jersey, where he worked as a machinist. During this time, in 1966,  William Lee met and married the love of his life Mary Edna Burts formerly of Greenville, SC.

     In 1992, William Lee and Mary Edna left New Jersey to build a home in Emporia, Virginia, on a portion of land formerly owned by his father, Herbert L. Carter. They had a relaxing life of farming, family and fellowship.

    William Lee was a loving and dedicated husband, brother, father, uncle, cousin, grandfather and friend. William Lee was a man of quiet strength and integrity. William Lee was a genuine person with a heart to help his fellow man. William Lee’s compassion, kindness and generosity was extended to all he encountered. William Lee was a simple man who enjoyed peace, encouraging young people and supporting his community.

      William Lee was preceded in death by: his parents, Herbert L. & Alsie Carter; daughter, Celestine Carter and siblings, Clarence Carter, Ruby Maryland, Willie Carter, Joseph Carter, Susie Moore, George Carter, Albert Carter and Fannie Parham. 

     Cherishing his memory is: his wife of 53 years Mary Edna Carter;  four children, Deborah Ferguson (Anthony) of Maryland, Cornell Brown (Laverne) of Hopewell, VA, Faye Hines of Emporia, VA and Darin Hester (Wanda) of New Jersey; eleven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; his siblings, Carroll Carter (Clara) of Emporia, VA, Shirley Powell (George) of Hampton, VA, Margaret Robinson of Emporia, VA and Richard Carter (Christine) of Jamesburg, NJ, sisters and brothers-in-law, Susie Carter (Clarence-deceased) of Emporia, VA, Milton Burts, Douglas Burts and Evelyn Burts all of Greenville, SC; close cousin, Reginald Carter;  a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Mr. Carter's tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family.  

The Management and Staff of Knox-High Mortuary, Inc. is privileged to provide

"Distinctive Services, With The Essence Of Excellence"

to the family of Mr. William Lee Carter.

We ask that you join us in remembering the family in both thought and prayer. 

 "Diligent in Business; Fervent in Spirit." - Romans: 12:11

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Lee Carter, please visit our floral store.