Charles Wright (Charlie) or (Squid) Carter, age 81, of 816 Jefferson Ave, Clifton Forge, Virginia, died Monday, April 18, 2011 at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke, Virginia.

Born April 2, 1930 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to the late Earl L. and Marian Wright Carter, Charlie grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts.

He served in the United States Navy as a medic in the Fleet Marine Corps.

He was a retired trainman with thirty years of service for CSX Transportation.

He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion Post 4, the Clifton Forge Presbyterian Church, and the Clifton Forge Elks Lodge # 1065.

He enjoyed Little League sports in Clifton Forge, and helped to develop Linden Park for all Little League Baseball because he enjoyed working with kids.

He was preceded in death by a son, Charles King "Kippy" Carter in 1975; a sister, Nancy C. Leroy; a brother-in-law, John Leroy; and his father and mother-in-law, Harry E. and Georgia K. Nelson.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-nine years, June Nelson Carter of Clifton Forge; a son and daughter-in-law, Stephen A. and Karen H. Carter of Afton; three grandchildren, Meredith L. Carter, Madison K. Carter, and Stephen Charles Carter, all of Afton; and a number of nieces and nephew, including Nancy Moorehead, John Leroy, and Barbara Henchey.

A graveside funeral service will be conducted on Thursday at 2:00 p.m. in Mountain View Cemetery, Clifton Forge with Reverend Paul Brokaw officiating. Interment will follow. There will be no formal visitation. However, friends may call any time at Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge or the residence, 816 Jefferson Ave, Clifton Forge.The family suggests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to the Clifton Forge Presbyterian Church, 544 Church Street, Clifton Forge, VA 24422 or to the American Cancer Society, Alleghany Highlands Division, C/O Karen Buzzard, 807 McCormick Boulevard, Clifton Forge, VA 24422.

The Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge is in charge of arrangements.