Willis Odell Carter

Willis Odell Carter, 90, of Greensboro, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 11, 2026.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, October 16, 2026, at Wilkerson Funeral Home with Pastor Doug Huff officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Wilkerson Funeral Home and at other times at the home of their son, Brian.

Willis was born in Rockingham County to the late Willis Bryant Carter and Lucy Jane Griffin Carter.

Willis proudly served his country in the United States Army. He retired from Norfolk Southern Railway after 30 years of service. He was also a farmer who enjoyed working with his hands, especially making knives. He loved fishing and was known for making homemade Brunswick stew and pound cakes. Willis never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Above all, he loved his family and friends and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

In addition to his parents, Willis was preceded in death by his infant sons, Michael Carter and Jeffrey Carter; and brothers, Donald Carter, Robert Carter, and Jimmy Carter.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Nancy Louise Truitt Carter; daughters, Lisa Carter, Pamela Smith, Annette Russell, and Diane Murray; sons, Mark Carter and wife Jennifer, and Brian Carter and wife Paulet; seven grandchildren and five bonus grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren and five bonus great-grandchildren; sister, Jane Watkins and husband Ronald; and brothers, Steve Carter and wife Donna, Mike Carter and wife Maryann, Charles Carter and wife Kathy, and Tommy Carter and wife Frances.