William "Bill" Wayne Carter

William “Bill” Wayne Carter, 80, of Norman, passed away on May 5, 2025. A celebration of his life will be held at 2:30 PM on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at Alameda Church of Christ in Norman. The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 PM on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at Tribute Memorial Care, 4300 W Indian Hills Rd. Norman, OK 73072.

Bill was born on August 1, 1944, in Oklahoma City to William Lum and Denver L. (Cross) Carter. He was raised in Oklahoma City and graduated from Classen High School in 1962. A call to service emerged early in Bill’s life and the day he turned seventeen he enlisted in the Marine Corp Reserve. Bill completed a Bachelor’s degree at the University of Oklahoma through the ROTC program.

It was at the OU library that Bill met the love of his life, Shirley Jean Wagenseller. Shirley recalls they would forgo dates on Friday nights so Bill could drive from Norman to Oklahoma City and take his mother grocery shopping. Shirley recognized she had found a caring man to spend a lifetime with, and they were married November 18, 1967, in Konawa, Oklahoma.

Bill’s deployment after ROTC was at Fort Ord. So, within a week of their wedding day, Bill and Shirley were preparing to move to Salinas, California. While in California they were blessed with a son and daughter, Lorne and Kayla, and Bill’s military career transitioned to the California National Guard. As the children grew older, Bill and Shirley decided to raise them near extended family. In 1978, Bill transferred to the Oklahoma National Guard and eventually they settled in Norman, OK in 1980. Bill served in the military with distinction and earned the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before retiring September 1, 2004.

Bill was a man that collected no dust. He was a lifelong learner, and earned a Master’s degree in Adult Education from Oklahoma State University. In retirement he leaned into his passion for learning. Fueled by coffee and dark chocolate, he pored through stacks of books on history and theology. Bill was also an avid runner and one of his proudest moments was completing the Marine Corps marathon in Washington DC.

Bill carried his title of Lieutenant Colonel with humility but was quick to brag about his title of “Pops.” The latter was bestowed by four cherished grandchildren and all of Bill’s friends and acquaintances knew their names and many accomplishments. Bill and Shirley enjoyed traveling, including numerous vacations with family as well as trips abroad. Bill especially loved touring historical sites and could offer even the best tour guides new historical notes. His final journey with Shirley took them to Norway, where he was able to witness the Northern Lights - one of his lifelong dreams.

Each day, Bill saw a new opportunity to serve others. He was active in the Alameda Church of Christ where he and Shirley attended for 45 years. He served as Deacon and an insightful bible teacher but found the most joy in working with his hands supporting the food pantry, distributing clothing or filling backpacks for children in need. Bill had no concept of a stranger. Everyone Bill met was a friend, with full privileges bestowed of learning about his grandchildren and some Civil War history as time permitted.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Cecil Lewis Carter, and sister-in-law, Edna.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Shirley; son, Lorne Carter and wife Jennifer; daughter, Kayla Owens and husband Mark; four grandchildren, Thomas Owens, Natalie Carter, Madeline Owens, and Lucy Carter. He also leaves behind a large extended family including in-laws, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers who supported Bill in his final days. A special thank you to their niece, Liz Reed, for her unwavering compassion and presence during this time.

Bill lived a gentle life marked with kindness and love, but at his core had the strength of a Marine. During his running career, he completed a marathon despite breaking a rib mid-race. Over 18 years ago, Bill was diagnosed with cancer, and he faced the illness with determination, optimism and faith. When Bill shared his 80th birthday with the family he cherished, it was a Marine’s victory. He is at rest now, but the many years he fought to maintain his health was a gift to everyone that knew him and his example will bless his grandchildren and future generations. As he wished, Bill will be buried at Fort Sill National Cemetery with military honors. On Wednesday, the family invites you to join them in celebrating Bill’s life – a full life, remarkable in his service to others.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to The Prostate Cancer Foundation or the Streams of Water ministry at Alameda church of Christ would be appreciated.