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A Champion For Century: Rev. Willie H. Carter Passes Away
October 8, 2012
A champion for the town of Century and youth across the area, retired educator Rev. Willie H. Carter of Century passed away this weekend.
“Turn off the TV” — anyone that ever knew Rev. Carter knows that piece of advice.
Rev. Carter always preached a good sermon as pastor of Pilgrim Lodge Baptist Church, one of the oldest churches in North Escambia with a 130 year history. He had a passion for his Lord, and a passion for youth, including the dozens of youth in his church. But he always preached more than just the Gospel to young people in Century area.
“After you watch TV for an hour, close your eyes and see what you got out of that,” Rev. Carter said to a group of youth a couple of years ago. He never missed the opportunity to tell young people to turn off the television. “Then read a book, close your eyes and see what you learned.”
“Your life is in your hands,” the reverend said. “You can make it anything you want it to be.”
Rev. Carter spent many years as a counselor at schools in Century, and he never stopped preaching the value of self-worth and education to youngsters.
“I can remember when it was not easy for someone to even make it to the eighth grade,” Rev. Carter told the final class of graduating eighth graders at Carver/Century K-8 School holding his Century diploma from May 22, 1936, in his hand. “Tonight, we have to think of it as a beginning.”
“Nobody’s going to ask you if came out of a little town like Century, but if you can do the job,” he said.
His involvement in the Century community extended beyond church and education. No matter what the cause for the good of Century or to unite Century, the Rev. Carter was there. He was vocal and persistent in efforts to keep the Carver/Century K-8 school open, and served on a Century Blue Ribbon Committee that explored the possibility of a charter school in Century.
He supported youth across the area as well. In 2010, he represented Century as one of the Grand Marshals of the Northview High School Homecoming Parade, and he was part of the 2010 Northview Baccalaureate service.
A World War II veteran, Rev. Carter took part in the ninth and final Emerald Coast Honor Flight to Washington in 2011.
He was previously named a NorthEscambia.com Person of the Year.
Funeral arrangement for Rev. Willie H. Carter are incomplete at this time.
Pictured top: Graduation exercises at Carver/Century K-8 School. Pictured top inset: Rev. Willie Carter with his 1936 Century diploma in hand. Pictured bottom inset: Rev. Carter returns from the final Emerald Coast Honor Flight to Washington in 2011. Pictured below: Rev. Carter prays with Century Mayor Freddie McCall. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Comments
32 Responses to “A Champion For Century: Rev. Willie H. Carter Passes Away”
R.I.P. pastor carter
Hopefully the Lord is grooming a person, for which to fill the tall order of walking in
Reverend Carter’s footsteps. The world needs for what he brought with him.
Professor Carter,
Thanks for all your dedcation and love for your students.
You set the mark high.
You will be missed.
May God greet you with a smile and say to you Great job my good and faithful son
Mr. Carter will be truly missed by many because he was truly loved. He was a very generous and humble man. My family was very honored to have him preach at my mother Vastie Stallworth home going service. I know he’s safe in God’s arm. Love, Vivian Stallworth- Andrews
Vivian Stallworth- Andrews
If we could see him now, he’s standing tall and strong in the Presence of the Lord without a worry or a care, he has gone from labor to reward!! I will truly miss Uncle Willie, one of the greatest men in my family. What a legacy he has left behind in the lives of so many both young and old. I believe that he finished strong and completed his assignment. RIP Uncle Willie, I will truly miss talking to you. Loved you so much!!!
R.I.P. Pastor Carter remembering you as our Math. teacher and then as a pastor. Thank you for the wonderful memories we have in our heart for you.
i miss him already icant belive he died forreal he will totally be nt frgotten
I have known Rev. Carter for at least 35 years he always looked at the positive side of things,always had a encouraging word for everybody.He is loved by everyone and will be truly missed.My condolences and prayers go out to all his family and friends.R.I.P. Rev. Carter
Rev. Carter was my pastor as a child. He was truly a soldier for The Lord. I just had the opportunity to preach in his pulpit for the class reunion. What a blessed time I had just in his presence.
May the family be encourage and know that he lived a blessed life.
This man of God was a true champion of education for all. I was so glad when he spoke at the funeral of my father, BIll Showalter, in November of 1991.
Proverbs 22:1 says, “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.” My uncle Willie Carter had a good name! His reverence for God, love for his family, devotion to my aunt Corrie, and faithfulness to the work of the Lord all serve to confirm his “good name”. The Richburg, Robinson, and Lamons families are all better because God brought him to us, and oh how we loved and respected him! This is his legacy. He is now enjoying a well-deserved rest in the presence of our Lord.
R.I.P.Rev. Carter. August 2012 me and my sister, Virginia saw him in the dollar store. It was such a pleasure to see a friendly and welcome face after 48yrs.
R.I.P. Rev. Carter. A strong soldier has gone home. It was a blessing for me to hear your sermon this past August and to shake your hand. Peace.
RIP Rev. Carter… You touched many lives while you were with us and will be dearly missed.
Reverened Willie Carter was my Pastor for many years when I was a child. My entire family love and respect this great man of God. God has called one His faithful servants home…Our prayers go out to the entire Carter family.
I had the pleasure of dealing with Rev Carter for the 3 years or so that I managed the Dollar General there in Century. He was always a pleasure to see and I always enjoyed talking with him. If you ever met him there was just something about him that you had no doubt he was a good man. I remember he would buy 20-30 cards at the time to give to people he knew for all occasions. I remember how excuted he was about his honor flight to Washington D C. He will no doubt be missed in the community.
Reverend Carter, may you have awakened in the bosom of God. You deserve it.
Uncle Willie, you were a prime example of what an Uncle should be; and more importantly, what a real Man looks like! Congrats Uncle! You made it home! You will be missed!
I love you Uncle Wille Rest In Peace.
R.I.P. Rev Carter
Rev. Carter was an honorable, kind and intelligent man. His ready smile and thoughtful opinions will be missed in Century and surrounding areas. Rest well sir, your work on earth will be remembered by all who knew you.
I had the privilege of working with Reverend Carter for a number of years. We have lost a great man.
Rev Carter always had a ready smile and treated everyone the same—RIP
Pastor Carter was the Angel at Pilgrim Lodge Missionary Baptist Church. He always gave you something to think about and remember in each one of his sermons that he preached on Sunday. The one thing that was true to his heart was the youth of Pilgrim Lodge. There was never a Sunday that I didn’t give Pastor Carter a huge. He always had a smile on his face. I will always treasure Pastor Carter and the time that God allowed us to have with him.
*I will always love u,Pastor Carter* (Your truth is marching on!!!!!!!!!)
Rev Carter had a true servants heart. What a great Christ-like example. May God bless his family.
Rev. Carter baptised me as a young boy, and he also married me as a man. Throughout the years he has always been a constant guiding influence in my life. I know his place in heaven is secure.
Last saw Bro. Carter on Thursday of last week. I was walking on Palafox Street in Flomaton when I approached his car parked near the Escambia County Bank. He exited the car, gave me a very firm handshake and we were able to share some positive conversation. He and I met 40 years ago at Flomaton High School, have had much interaction through the years. Every visit was always good, He never forgot my name, and he always shared a bit of love and encouragement. I will miss seeing him around.
Mr. Carter was a precious, precious man. He never failed to tell you what you needed
to hear, be it good or bad. I don’t believe that I could have gotten through those tough middle school years without Mr. Carter. I surely will miss seeing him out & about. I and so many others are grateful to Rev W. H. Carter & most especially to GodAlmighty for loaning him to us.
I love you Mr. Carter.
R.I.P Pastor Carter You Was A Great Man!
He was a good man and we will miss him.
R.I.P. Rev Carter you will truly be missed
The world is a better place because of Rev. Carter. He will be missed greatly.