William Carter Mebane, III, (Carter), 80, of Wilmington, North Carolina passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his children on May 4, 2022.
Carter was born to the late Dr. William Carter Mebane, Jr. and Pauline Eckert Mebane on July 7, 1941. He was born in Wilmington, North Carolina where he remained a lifelong member of the community. He attended public schools in New Hanover County, graduating from New Hanover High School in 1959. He graduated from Davidson College in 1963. While at Davidson, Carter was a member of the ROTC.
Upon graduation, Carter became a commissioned officer in the United States Army where he served for five years. He was a member of the 82nd Airborne, serving in the Dominican Intervention in 1965, and a tour in Vietnam (MACV) during 1966-67. He achieved the rank of Captain prior to his honorable discharge in 1968.
After serving his country, Carter came home to Wilmington and joined Johnson Lane Securities. He moved to A.G. Edwards and Sons in 1977, where he worked until his retirement in 2002. Carter served as branch manager the majority of his career and was a trusted and respected financial advisor. He served his clients with integrity, assisted by his dedicated administrative partner of 28 years, Shelley Bullard. Carter also served his family for many years as the Director of WCM Enterprises.
Carter was a devoted community servant, volunteering his time and support while serving on the boards of The Cape Fear Memorial Foundation, The Sinclair Foundation, and The Davis Community. Carter also served for 29 years as a Trustee of the UNCW Endowment.
Carter loved the water and was an avid sailor for most of his life. His family’s fondest memories are time spent with Carter sailing and boating. He enjoyed racing sailboats of all sizes, but especially enjoyed laser and sunfish. He successfully competed in many races at the Carolina Yacht Club. He served as the CYC Commodore 1974-75.
Carter drew his strength in life from his unwavering Christian faith. He was a humble and faithful servant to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He served as an elder at Myrtle Grove Presbyterian Church where he touched and influenced many lives. He and his wife, Joan, were dedicated members. Together for years they greeted on Sundays, led groups and ministries, and delivered meals on holidays to those in need. Their home and hearts were always open to others.
Carter was very devoted to his wife, Joan, his four children, and two stepsons who all adored him. Carter is survived by his wife, Joan Hancock Mebane of Wilmington, his sister Reverend Roxanna Mebane Atwood (Jim, deceased) of Rockingham, Virginia, and Pauline (Prissy) Mebane Endo (Shun) of Wilmington. Carter was formerly married to Patricia Dunn (deceased), the mother of his four children. His children: Susan Mebane Franco (Alan) of Atlanta; Patricia (Sissy) Mebane Schoettelkotte (Bill) of Wilmington; Elizabeth (Betsy) Mebane Farmer (Eric) of Charlotte; and William (Billy) Carter Mebane IV (Sarah) of Wilmington. Stepsons Mathias (Matt) Hunoval (Christi) of Huntersville and Robert (Rob) Hunoval of Wilmington. Nieces and nephews Mebane Boyd (Alan); Harry Atwood (Robin); Tom Endo (Katie); Ted Endo (Clodaugh) and several great-nieces and nephews.
Carter was affectionately referred to as “Pa” and was dearly loved by all his grandchildren: Lizzie, Caroline, and Carter Franco; Cricket, Clay, and Locke Schoettelkotte; Sarah Carter, Mary Banks, and Ben Farmer; Ann Katherine and William Mebane; and Joan’s grandchildren, Holland Grace and Hank Hunoval.
A Visitation for family and friends will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Friday, June 3rd at Andrews Mortuary, 1617 Market Street, Wilmington, 28401. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 4th at Myrtle Grove Presbyterian Church, 800 Piner Road, Wilmington, 28409, with a reception following.
The family would like to extend its sincere gratitude and appreciation to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Myrtle Grove Presbyterian Church, 100 Piner Road, Wilmington, North Carolina 28409 or Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401.
Please sign the online Guestbook at www.andrewsmortuary.com