May 1, 2024, at Fairview Hospital in Dublin, Georgia, efforts to resuscitate Master Sergeant Willie Frank Carter, Jr. were in vain. Unbeknownst to them, he had ascended to a realm where the sky boasted the perfect shade of blue, the grass shimmered in the most vibrant color green, and lakes were alive with fish leaping continuously.  Standing on the banks of the Jordan he marveled, "this is so surreal, so beautiful, so peaceful, and so serene.  I want to stay here forever.  This feels like Heaven."  After 14 minutes, the doctors successfully revived him.  As a dedicated soldier, he returned to complete his mission; to prepare us for his departure signaling his readiness to cease fighting and to study war no more.  On May 21, 2024, at 12:42 a.m., Tony gave up the fight returning to that perfect, serene heave, literally, Heaven.

Willie Frank Carter, Jr., otherwise known to those who love him as "Tony", was born February 25, 1953, in Camilla, Georgia, to Bernice Carter and Willie Frank Carter, Sr.  He was a bright, precocious, determined child.  He thrived academically out of love for learning.  He attended Camilla Consolidated Schools throughout his elementary, middle, and high school career.  He was a proud Camilla Consolidated Pirate.  In 1970 Camilla Consolidated High School integrated and became Mitchell County High School where Tony continued to excel.  He served as the first President of the inaugural Senior Class of Mitchell County High School contributing to the writing of the constitution and the school creed and along with the senior counsel, established the school mascot, the "Eagles" and they remain the "Eagles" still today.

Tony was not just an excellent student; he was also an outstanding athlete.  He was good at baseball and basketball, but it was at football where he really rocked the house.  His prowess earned him a full ride scholarship to Fort Valley State College in 1971 to play football.  He was later inducted into the Hall of Fame with his team at Fort Valley State College where he also joined the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.  Tony epitomized the term "smart jock" proving it is not just an oxymoron.

In 1973 Tony enlisted in the military and thrived.  He served his country for 26 years until disability ended his career with Master Sergeant being his final rank.  During his service, Tony loved deeply and frequently but it was in 1985 that he settled down after meeting his future bride, the lovely Rosalina Lau, in Korea where they were both stationed.  Their military careers afforded them the opportunity to live abroad and in several states.  In 1989, Tony rededicated his life to the Lord, and he moved his family to San Francisco, California.

Tony's warm personality meant he never met a stranger, which led to his recognition in California as the go to guy for housing assistance.  He became the first President of the Resident Management Team for the San Francisco Housing Authority.  He managed a budget of 5.5 million dollars.  The budget included monies for landscaping, the Family Hope Center, security for the Housing Authority, an after-school learning program, a food bank, and a church.  Tony was instrumental in writing and procuring grants for these initiatives.

A man always eager to lend a hand, Tony was known for his generosity and for opening his home to those in need.  Those who knew him knew of his deep love for his God, family, friends, country, and his passions, which included singing, gardening, fishing, and being a proud "Q Dog".

He is survived by his wife, Rosalina; his children, Korea Deshay Legree, Pearlisa Carter Baker, Bernice Elizabeth Carter, Willie Frank Carter, III, Pryona Manola Carter, Alexandria Maxell Carter and a bonus son, Michael Baker.  He is also survived by his siblings, Pauline Carter Council, Maxell Carter Cooper, Larry Carter, Allen Carter, Barbara Carter Hilliard, Sherry Carter Logan, and Teresa Carter.  His legacy continues on through his grandchildren, Messiah Alexander, Carold Carter, Cayden Carter, Genesis Carter, Franklin Jones, III, Jyon Jones, Talia Carter, Deandre Carter, Ja'Mical Jones, Caspian Carter and a bonus granddaughter, Mila Cyrano.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Bernice Carter, his father, Willie Frank Carter, Sr., and two sisters, Manola Carter Robinson and Donna Carter Banks.