On Friday morning, August 30, 2024, at 6:55 a.m., Donald Ray Carter, Sr., the most beloved family man, Vietnam veteran, and friend went home to the Lord while surrounded by his loving family at the age of 77 in Tampa, Florida. Mr. Carter was born on April 15, 1947, in Nashville, Tennessee. It is said that many saints of history had a God-given ability to see and care for the soul of the individual in front of them. They would be a glimpse of God’s love for that soul instead of being distracted or concerned by self-interest. Everyone that knew Mr. Carter (also known as “papa don” or “don don soy”) experienced a unique love and caring. This is still clear as his children and grandchildren argue to this day over who was really “papa’s favorite.” Until his last breath, he was concerned for the care, health, and future of everyone else. He was an honest, kindhearted, and generous man who “adopted” family and friends everywhere he went. Service, love, and dedication are words that only begin to describe the impact that this great man had on generations of those around him.
Mr. Carter was the most devoted husband for 52 years and three hundred and 364 days to his beautiful wife, Maria Corazon Carter. Their marriage was full of love, happiness, and humor. They were hopelessly devoted to each other and grew a family of 8 children between them upon meeting in the Philippines during the Vietnam War. In one of his last conversations with Mrs. Carter, he said that he would be waiting for her with a white “carabao” for them to both ride into heaven. Most can only hope to witness a marriage with love as strong or pure. The Carters frequently told the story of how they first met and fell in love, even in their advancing age.
Laughter was essential to Mr. Carter’s life. You were most likely to spot him as the old man in the crowd making a baby smile or in the center of a room calling his grandchildren and great grandchildren “ping-pongs.” He was quick to smile and give an Elvis impression whenever he could. Occasionally, one could catch a mischievous glint in his eyes which was a remnant from his rambunctious youth. He often told humorous tales of his childhood in Tennessee and his life as a young sailor. He was also resourceful and hardworking, known for doing both his and other people’s home projects. He knew that good things in life were worth the work and set a strong example of how someone should provide for their family. He often gave unsolicited, yet cherished advice often aimed at solving the world’s problems one small step at a time. In the last year of his life, he requested to be baptized on the same day as one of his grandsons.
Mr. Carter joined the U.S. Navy on April 16, 1964. Only one day after his 17th birthday. He was a proud Vietnam War veteran, serving his country for 27 years. During his time in the Navy, he was a Jet Engine Mechanic, a C-2A air crewman, and had multiple leadership positions throughout his successful career. He was stationed in many locations across his career, including the Philippines, Arizona, Japan, Washington, California, and Florida. He retired as a Senior Chief (ADCS) on March 31, 1991.
As we entrust his soul to the good Lord, Mr. Carter’s legacy will continue in his large family. He is survived by his loving wife, Maria Corazon Carter, and his devoted children: Donald, Jr. (Meliza), Maria Consuelo Lundgren, Lisa Thomason, Wendy Whaley (Jeff), Jenelyn Mapanao, Maria Cristina Batinga (Arturo), Maria Cecilia Maguire (Timothy), and Maria Carmellia Wimley (Mark). He was also a proud grandfather to Sherry Jackson, Gracie Foster, Jonathon Dunivant, Samantha Thomason, Sean Boyce (Lindsey), Joe Boyce, Eyvonne Batinga, Elaine Algre (Leo), Irene Munoz, Angel, Kennel, Joy, Cora, Joshua, JR Mapanao, Maya Carter (Jon), Danika Carter, Timothy Maguire (Danisse), Katrina Stanton (Andrew), Gabriele Setley (Andrew), Elijah Wimley. Papa Don was also blessed with 31 great-grandchildren whom he loved dearly and who will miss his playful spirit and loving presence.
He also leaves behind his siblings, Randy Carter (Hazel), Leroy Carter (Rosemarie), and Vickie Caneer (David), along with many nephews, nieces, and cousins. Donald was preceded in death by his parents Albert Lee and Mary Magdalene Carter, his siblings James and Sandra Carter, and his son Reynaldo Mapanao.
A celebration of life will take place in his hometown of Lewisburg, Tennessee at a later date with further details to come. His final resting place will be at the family mausoleum located in the Philippi
