William A. Carter

Frankfort- Dr. William A. Carter (Billy), age 91, passed away on April 5, 2023, at his home in Ashwood Place, Frankfort, Kentucky. Dr. Carter was born in Sturgis, Kentucky, on September 3, 1931, to the late Milton and Leota Carter. He retired from full-time pastoral ministry in 1998 after serving as pastor of Memorial Baptist Church, Frankfort, Kentucky. He continued serving several churches on staff and as an interim pastor well into retirement. He held degrees from Georgetown College, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Luther Rice Seminary, where he earned his doctorate in ministry. Dr. Carter pastored eight churches in Indiana and Kentucky throughout his 50 years of pastoral ministry. During his career, he served on various committees for the Indiana and Kentucky Baptist State Conventions. He treasured his experience as a professor teaching African American pastors in Evansville, Indiana, through The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary extension program in the 60s. His favorite title was “pastor,” which he earned through a shepherding style of leadership with deep affection for those he served. The ever-present smile he carried and his incredible sense of humor were trademarks of his outlook on life. He loved history and amassed an extensive collection of presidential biographies. For nearly 20 years he wrote a weekly column, “Between You and Me,” for his hometown newspaper, the Sturgis News, Sturgis, Kentucky. Early in his ministry he coached high school basketball in Daviess County and continued coaching little league and softball teams throughout his ministry. He was a lifelong Kentucky Wildcat fan and wore his blue every Saturday. He loved to play basketball, softball, and volleyball. As an avid sports fan, he attended local high school and college football and basketball games into his late 80s. His favorite times were spent with family and close friends on vacations to the beach and mountains. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Karen Lynn. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Anna Lou, and his daughter, Tracy Morford (Tom), his son Monty, grandchildren Logan Morford (Kristin), Casey Carter (Jayma), and Sarah Carter as well as his beloved great-grandgirls, Nolynn, Gentry, Auburn, Guinevere, and Linden. His celebration of life service will be held at Forks of Elkhorn Baptist Church, Frankfort, Kentucky, with Rev. Todd Lester officiating on Tuesday, April 11 at 3:00 p.m. Visitation will precede the service from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. The Carter family requests that instead of flowers contributions be made to Bluegrass Care Navigators (Hospice), 643 Teton Trail, Frankfort, Kentucky, 40601, or Forks of Elkhorn Baptist Church (“Missions”), 480 Duckers Road, Midway, Kentucky, 40347. The family would also like to extend its gratitude to the staff and friends at Ashwood Place, Frankfort, Kentucky, Bluegrass Care Navigators, and his Baptist Healthcare team. Arrangements are under the direction of Harrod Brothers Funeral Home & Crematory.

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William A. Carter

September 3, 1931 - April 5, 2023