Raymond Henry "Ray" Carter, 59, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 10, 2012, at Bay Pines VA Health System in St. Petersburg, Fla. He was surrounded by family when the Lord called him home.

Ray was born on June 8, 1953, in Kingston, Jamaica, oldest son of Lyman A. "Bob" Carter and Josie M. Carter. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Lyman A. and Josie M. Carter. He is survived by four siblings, Joanne A. Baker, Donna (David) Littrell, Andrew (Jolene) Carter, and Anne (Tim) Walker; five nephews, Paul (Becca) Littrell, Philip Littrell, Peter Littrell, Carter Chaplin, Joel Carter; a great nephew, Caleb Littrell; and a niece, Rachel Baker.

Ray was beloved by his family and will be greatly missed; however, we find comfort in the fact that in his final days on this earth, he trusted Jesus Christ as his Savior.

The family will conduct a private service. Serenity Meadows in Riverview, Fla., is serving the family.