A Celebration of Life for Ray Landis Carter, 56, of Longview, will be on Tuesday, July 24, 2012 at 11 a.m. at the Stanmore Funeral Home Chapel, with Elder Sterling Kelly officiating. Viewing is from 1-6 Monday, July 23rd at Stanmore Funeral Home.

Ray Landis Carter served his country by joining the United States Marine Corps in October of 1974 and served until November of 1995.

Throughout his life, Ray was an active member of his church and community. His church affiliation was The Lord's Holy Temple COGIC, where he served as(Sunday School Teacher/Superintendent). He was also a member of the NAACP, as a veteran's liaison, in Carthage, Texas and the American Legion Post#151.

He leaves to treasure pleasant memories; a loving and devoted wife, Lydia Ingram Carter of Carthage, Texas; his loving mother Loretta Carter-Fitts (Gilmer, Texas); one son, Marcus (Stacia)Carter, a Certified Surgical Technologist First Assistant of Longview, Texas; four daughters, Yolandis "Evett) Carter, (a Certified Surgical Technologist of Longview, Texas; Consuella Williams, (a Cosmetologist) of Longview, Texas; Stephanie Banks-Burks, a Lotician/Employee Recognition Account Manager, of Temecula, California; and Courtney Carter, (a Counselor, Therapist Intern), of Oceanside, California; five step-children, Aimee Bridges of Dallas, Texas; Angela Bridges of Longview, Texas; Alisha Bridges of Gladewater, Texas; Erica Ogujuba of Longview, Texas; and Emmaly Ogujuba of Maryland; nine grandchildren, Destinii Carter, Kyyla Carter, Tekeyah Carter, Eric Christian, Damian Nelson, Dezmund Nelson, De'Qwaylon Nelson, Nairobi Burks, and Stanley Burks; five great-grandchildren, Maliyah Nelson, Jaylon Foler, Brooklynnd Nelson, Za'Niyan Nelson, and Sha'Niriha Nelson; three brothers, Bobby Don (Kimberly) Fitts of Longview, Texas; Ronnie (De'Neen) Fitts of Longview, Texas; and Michael Fitts of Overton, Texas. Six sisters , Lauretta Bosom, Carolyn (Sidney) Adams, Doris Thomas, Addie (Donnie) McCray; Beverly (Lee Charles) Gray; and Barbara Fitts, all of Longview, Texas; and a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Mr. Carter was preceded in death by his father, Landis Carter; grandparents, Matt and Addie Carter; Robert and Lorine Davis; and a sister, Debra Carter.