William "Bill" Carter

William Silas “Bill” Carter, 81, of Lake City, passed away early Sunday morning, September 13, 2026 at the Haven Hospice – Suwannee Valley Care Center in Lake City after a brief illness. He was born on April 15, 1945 in Brooklyn, NY to the late Joseph James Carter and Margaret Goetz Carter. He has made Lake City his home since the early 1970’s, moving here from the Hialeah, Florida area. He worked for a number of years in Law Enforcement with the Lake City Police Department, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Corrections before he retired in the early 2000’s.

Bill was a member of the First Christian Church of Lake City; and accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at the age of 50! He was a bit of a homebody, enjoying time spent with his family and his pups. In his spare time though, he did enjoy fishing, and going to the gun range. He is preceded in death by his son, Nicholas James Carter and his brother, Robert Carter.

He is survived by his loving wife of over 47 years, Elsie M. Carter of Lake City; daughter, Charity La’Rae Gall of Lake City; granddaughter, Erica La’Rae Cheshire of Lake City; great-granddaughter, Addilynn Cheshire of Lake City; and his sister, Irene Tedro of Kentucky. Several extended family member and friends also survive.

A memorial service for Mr. Carter will be announced at a later date. Cremation arrangements are under the direction and care of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S. US HWY 441, Lake City, FL, 32025, 386-752-1954. Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com.