William Carter

New Iberia - Mr. Bill Carter a loving husband, father, decorated military veteran, and business man, died on April 25, 2007 at 3:30 pm. He was 82 years old and a long time resident and civic leader in New Iberia LA. By his side was his wife Grace Carter of 58 years and family as he ended his battle with diabetes. He was born September 15, 1924 in Montvale, Va. The Carters raised 3 children, daughters Wanda Talbot, wife of David Talbot of Thibodaux LA, Kathy Mannina, wife of Johnny Mannina of New Iberia LA and his son Jim Carter, husband of Barbara Balongue-Carter of Villanova PA. Bill and Grace have 4 grandchildren, Chad Talbot husband of Celeste Talbot and Brandon Talbot husband of Leslie Talbot, Derek and Alyssa Mannina. In addition he has 4 great grandchildren Cody, Caitlin, Hannah and Hunter Talbot. Mr. Carter was the 8th child of 10 children raised by George and Annie Carter of Roanoke VA with a surviving sister Virginia Bright and a brother Dave Carter and his wife Betty Carter all residing in Roanoke VA, He also has a nephew Doug Carter and his daughter Tiffany and niece Barbara Thomas wife of Wayne Thomas and her family K.W., John, Susan and Peter. At 18 years of age Mr. Carter joined the Army and won numerous military honors including the Purple Heart while serving in the Army's 3rd Infantry Division during World War II. At this time he saw action in Africa, Sicily, Southern France, Austria, and Germany. After the war in 1948, he joined the Air Force and was stationed in New Orleans where he met and married Grace Clement of Labadieville. Mr. Carter's last tour of duty was Vietnam before retiring from military service in 1967. Upon retirement he owned and operated Carter's IGA Foodliner on North Lewis Street in New Iberia where together with Grace they built a successful business. In 1985 he finally retired from the grocery business and he became a volunteer employee of Dauterive hospital and the VFW in New Iberia, LA. Funeral Services will be at Pellerin Funeral Home located at 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd. in New Iberia, LA 70560 on Saturday April 28, 2007 at 1 o'clock in the afternoon. Entombment will follow at Beau Pre' Cemetery. Visiting hours will held from 9 o'clock Saturday morning until the time of service. Pellerin Funeral Home of New Iberia, 365-3331 is in charge of arrangements.