Cornelius Carter, age 88, of Clinton, passed away peacefully at his home with his loving wife and family by his side. Cornelius was a highly decorated soldier, having served in the Army Infantry during World War II and several other foreign countries including Normandy, Germany, England, and France. He earned a Purple Heart with two clusters and a Bronze Star for bravery above and beyond the call of duty. Cornelius was employed by Bush Brothers, Magnet Mills, and retired as foreman from Calloway Building Products.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother John and Katherine (Rosenbalm) Carter, brothers Lonnie, Lonzo, Clifford, and Cleo; sisters Mertie, Nora, Leota, Madeline, Mary, and Martha; and 3 grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years Mary (Overton) Carter; sons Ray "Curley" Carter and wife Jo Ann, Ronnie Carter and wife Brenda; daughters, Dianne Walden and husband Walter, Joyce Dickson and Husband Ray, Cathy Reed and fianc�e Gary Williams, and Mary Nell Turnbill all of Clinton; 19 Grandchildren; 36 Great-Grandchildren; 9 Great-Great-Grandchildren; loving former daughter-in-laws Charlotte Carter, Lena Carter, and Judy Winters; and a host of many other relatives and friends, with a very special thanks to Home Health Nurses Mike Hughes, Sharon Ashley, and Chaplain Tom Rayford.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00pm on Sunday, August 22, 2010 at Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton with a service to follow at 8:00pm in the chapel. The interment will be held on Monday, August 23, 2010 at 11:00am at Weaver Cemetery with full military honors and Rev. Russell Massengale and Rev. Robert Langford IV officiating. Pallbearers include: Bobby Hansard, Ronald "Chip" Carter, Ray "Duke" Dickson, Keith Jennings, Zachary Hansard, and Jordan Langford. Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements. www.holleygamblefh.com