Virgil Carter

Virgil Ray Carter, 91, passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife of nearly 70 years and his family on June 9, 2023, in Bountiful, Utah.  Virgil was born on March 17, 1932, in Tremonton, UT to George Virgil Carter and Ethelyn Anderson Carter Sargent. 

Virgil spent his younger years in Tremonton and Garland Utah.  His father died an untimely death when Virgil was a young 8-year-old boy. Most of his growing up years he remained in the Tremonton-Garland area living with multiple family members.  He enjoyed the comradery of his cousins immensely.  Later, his mother remarried Kenneth Sargent and they ultimately ended up in Salt Lake City. Virgil graduated from West High School. 

Virgil was a hard worker, a value he learned young helping with the farm. He loved anything mechanical and enjoyed working with his hands.  Virgil decided to enlist in the US Navy in 1950.  He is a Korean War Veteran as an Aviation Machinist Mate Petty Officer 3rd class on the aircraft carrier USS Boxer. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in June of 1955. After the Navy he went on to graduate at a specialized aircraft mechanics school, where he made his career working for Western Airlines and later Delta Airlines. 

During a military leave back to Utah, he and his friends saw three beautiful women walking down State Street in Salt Lake City.  Being rebuffed after several tries, the ladies decided to give them a break and let them drive them home.  This was the beginning of the love of his life acquaintance with Mary Kay Murray Carter, his loving wife. They were married in Honolulu, HI on July 8, 1953.  Later their marriage was solemnized in the Los Angeles Temple on April 14, 1962.  After living in Torrance, California for eight years, they ended up in Bountiful, UT where they lived in the same house for 59 years. 

Virgil and Mary both had a fervent love of history, especially American History.  They traveled the world, and always sought out museums and cultures from which to learn.  They instilled this love in their two children, Craig, and Leslee, who both cherish the many travels both in the family camper as well as flying standby to many places in the US.  They individually took each of their grandchildren, and one “grandchild in-law”, for an incredible U.S. history excursion, introducing them to Washington DC, Williamsburg, VA, Hershey, PA, and many other U.S. historical stops along the way.  It is a cherished memory for each one of them.  This legacy of patriotism and love of our country continues as part of the family tradition.   

Virgil and Mary supported one another in an exemplary way.  Many cultural and musical events were attended because of the interest of the other, along with many sporting events.  BYU is where their hearts ring true blue.  He instilled a great love of anything Disney in his posterity. 

Virgil is the man that was called on to help with anything mechanical.  He had a passion for aircraft and worked for many years as a volunteer at HAFB Aerospace Museum. He taught many children and adults fascinating historical stories as a tour guide there. 

One of the highlights of his life was participating in the Utah Honor Flight with fellow veterans and going back to the memorials in Washington DC in 2019 with his son Craig. 

Virgil and Mary loved above anything else, their children, their 7 grandchildren, and their 17 great-grandchildren.  He attended every possible sporting, dancing, acting, performing, or singing event.  He was always dependable and is the person that would always “show up” no matter what it took to be there.   He was by far the most faithful home teacher ever known.  He would not miss his set appointment date no matter what!  He was beloved by his neighbors and church members dearly.  They were known for the beautiful Christmas gala they would host in their neighborhood complete with delicious treats of Yuletide favorites, as well as the amazing Dickens Christmas Village on display for everyone to enjoy. 

Virgil is survived by his wife, Mary Kay Murray Carter (90). His children Craig Allan Carter (Lisa) of Morgan, UT, and Leslee Gayle Carter Cabulagan (Patrick) of South Jordan, UT.  They have 7 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren (1 deceased).   

Virgil was preceded in death by his parents, George Virgil Carter and Ethelyn Carter Sargent, his stepfather Kenneth Sargent, many beloved aunts and uncles, cousins that he considered brothers and sisters, and his great-grand daughter Scottie Lynn Carter. 

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, June 15 at 10:00 a.m. at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful, UT., where there will be a viewing from 8:45-9:45 prior to the funeral.  Interment will be at Tremonton Riverside Cemetery with full Military Honors. 

The family would like to express their gratitude for the loving care from the staff at Creekside Senior Living and A+ Hospice.  

Funeral services will be streamed live on Russon Mortuary & Crematory Facebook page and on this obituary page.