William Taft Carter, Jr., 82, of Lexington, Virginia died Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017 at the Golden Living Center in Buena Vista, where he had been in declining health.

He was born June 22, 1934 in Lexington, a son of the late William Taft Carter Sr. and Janie Ruth Howe Carter.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Janice Turner, and two sisters, Barbara Drew and Leona Fontaine.

Mr. Carter retired from Virginia Military Institute after 50 years of service.

Surviving are his wife of sixty years, Nettie J. Carter of Lexington; one son, William T. Carter III and wife, Laura of Staunton; one daughter, Kimberly Dunn and husband, Kirk of Natural Bridge; son-in-law, Doug Turner of Lexington; one sister, Ruth Mazigue of Chicago, Ill.; one brother, Edward Carter of Lexington; eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and family.

The funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017 at the Harrison Funeral Home Chapel by the Rev. Ryan Hubbard. Burial will be private.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Arrangements are being handled by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.