William Richard Carter III

William “Bill” Richard Carter III, of Oroville, California passed away on Monday, September 13, 2021 at the ripe old age of 75 years young.

Bill was welcomed into this world on Tuesday, August 20, 1946 in Huntington Park, California.  He lived most of his childhood years in Southern California.  He enjoyed playing football and participating in wrestling during his high school years.  Bill graduated from Cloverdale High School in 1964.  He later received diplomas from the Defense Language Institute for Vietnamese and Mandarin Chinese languages.  He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, including one tour in Vietnam (1966 – 1967) and continued to serve his country in the USMC Reserves for many years. 

On Saturday, March 1, 1969, Bill married his life-long bride, Marcia Ann Fritts; they lived and loved for a heartwarming 52 years.  Bill was an incredibly hard-working man.  He was employed in underground construction for nearly 20 years until he was injured and could no longer continue in this field.  He was later employed at Feather Falls Casino for over a decade until his retirement. 

Bill enjoyed the simple things in life.  He would jump at the opportunity to go fishing whether it be alone or with company.  He was able to travel the countryside with his bride, getting to see amazing sights that included Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone National Park, Medicine Bow National Forest, and his absolute favorite location, the Crazy Horse Monument.  Bill was one of the best dads ever with a firm hand and a gentle heart, and as great as he was at being a dad, he was an even better grandpa.  He had such pride for all his grandchildren.  He loved attending countless school plays, dance recitals, various sporting events, and whatever activities his grandchildren were involved in.  He adored spending time with them and getting to watch them grow.

Bill is survived by his wife, Marcia Carter; daughters, Tricia Smith and Sarah Sanders; grandchildren, Carter, Zachary, Bella, Emma, and Sophia; brother, Robert Carter; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, William Richard Carter; mother, Kathryn Lestena Carter; and sister, Kathleen Bee.

The memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on September 25, 2021 at PBFC located at 2570 N. Villa Avenue, Palermo, CA.  Pastor Michael Jacobsen of PBFC will be officiating.  Bill’s final resting place will be with his parents at the Tulare Public Cemetery in Tulare, California.  Funeral arrangements are being handled by Scheer Memorial Chapel.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to Oroville Caring for Women or Oroville Hope Center.  The family of William Richard Carter III wishes to thank all our friends and family for their outpouring of love and support, especially our church family at PBFC—you have shown us what it means to truly belong.

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