Barbourville, Ky. – Willie Lee Carter, lovingly known as Papaw, passed peacefully on February 20, 2026, in Illinois.
He was born on April 5, 1939, in a coal mining camp in Knox County, Kentucky, and was raised in Artemus, Kentucky. The strength, grit, and faith forged in those Appalachian hills shaped the man he became. From humble beginnings, he built a life grounded in hard work, devotion to family, and unwavering belief in God.
Willie dedicated 40 years of hard work to General Mills, retiring in 2003. He took pride in his work, and loved telling stories of beating his co-workers in a game of checkers or chess during lunch breaks.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ida Mae and Walter Carter; his siblings, Martha Elizabeth Tow, James Edward Carter, Boyd Everett Carter, and Thomas Wayne Carter; and his beloved grandson and namesake, Brent Lee Green.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Sue Carter; his son, Jeffrey Carter; his daughter, Melissa Carter; his nephew, Clifford Williamson, who was raised as his brother; his grandson, Ryan Green and his wife Diana; and his cherished great-granddaughter, Ava Melissa.
Papaw was known for his wit, charm, and storytelling. He had a perfectly timed one-liner for nearly every situation and a competitive spirit that showed up in everything he did — from card games at the kitchen table to basketball in the backyard to shooting pool in his basement. He loved to win, but more than that, he loved the laughter and time spent together.
He loved his faith, his family, quiet mornings fishing, his cats resting nearby, and cheering passionately for the Kentucky Wildcats. Gospel music filled his home, especially the beloved hymn “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.” That song reflected the hope he carried — that families united in Christ are never separated forever.
More than anything, he was a father figure and leader. He raised his two grandsons as his own, guiding them with steady strength, discipline, humor, and unconditional love. He led quietly but firmly, showing by example what it meant to provide, protect, and stand strong for your family. His presence brought stability. His faith set the foundation.
The promise he believed in is found in Scripture:
“For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout… and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them… and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17
Because of that promise, the circle is not broken. It is eternal.
Papaw built a life in Illinois, but his heart never left the mountains of Kentucky — the place he loved most and always hoped to return to. Now, he will be laid to rest among those hills that shaped him, home at last. Though he will be deeply missed, he is forever loved — and we hold fast to the hope that we will be together again.
The Hopper family, Victoria Hopper and Sally Hopper, along with the staff of Hopper Funeral Home, Mrs. Lorena Blankenship, Mr. Reid Brewer, Mrs. Brenda Johnson, Mr. Robin Reese and Ms. Quinlynn Chrisco, express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Willie Lee Carter.
Hopper Funeral Home, established over 100 years ago, is in charge of servicing all arrangements for Willie Lee Carter.
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