William C. Carter, 72, of Newcastle, and Winter Haven, Fla., died Dec. 21 at Maine Medical Center with his family by his side. He was born on March 8, 1939 in Damariscotta to William C. Carter and Clara (Meservey) Carter. Bill grew up on the Bunker Hill Road in Jefferson and attended the Pond Road School in Newcastle.
After graduating from Lincoln Academy in 1958, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Upon returning to the area, he was hired as a summer patrol officer by the Damariscotta Police Dept., and rose to the rank of chief within three years.
In 1964, at the age of 26, he was the youngest person ever elected sheriff in the state’s history. Undefeated in 14 elections, he retired after 37 years at that post, which is the longest tenure in the agency’s 250-year history, and probably the longest in Maine history.
He was an honorary lifetime member, and served as President of the Maine Sheriff’s Association, the New England Chiefs of Police Association, and was recognized by the Maine Police Chief’s Association as Maine’s Police Chief of the Year in 1988.
During his tenure, he was known for embracing innovation, training and technology. He is credited with establishing a DARE program, creating a highly regarded Criminal Investigation Division for the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, and for making projects happen that people said were impossible, for instance, the county’s 9-1-1 system. He was a pioneer when it came to instituting programs in the county jail for drug and alcohol treatment, anger management and others. Bill was so proud of his Department and his men.
On Dec. 31, 2002, Bill retired as sheriff, and was honored at a retirement tribute held at the Augusta Civil Center, which was attended by over 250 people. Bill received congratulatory letters from President George W. Bush, Gov. Angus King, Senator Collins, Rep. Tom Allen and Justice John R. Atwood. Many people spoke of his leadership and dedication.
On April 21, 2004 Bill married Dolly Roy of Lewiston, in Las Vegas, Nev. Bill spent many summers at his seasonal camp lot at Augusta West Kampgound, on Annabessacook Lake, Winthrop, and he leaves behind many special friends there as well as at his home at Cypress Shores on Lake Jessie in Winter Haven, Fla., where he spent his winters since retiring.
Bill enjoyed spending the week in his motor home at the Fryeburg Fair every year. His favorite time of year started opening day of hunting season and lasted through Christmas. The time spent at the camp in Cherryfield with all the guys was something he cherished very much. The holidays were something he looked forward to and he always went all out.
New England sports were always a big part of his life as well. Bill always had his camera in his pocket, and as a wonderful gift to his family, he captured almost every moment of his life.
“Papa” took his grandson Chad on his first trip to the northern part of the state where he gave Chad his first driving lessons on the back logging roads. Grandson Ben was able to spend the day with “Papa” at Disney World in Orlando, Fla. Bill was proud of his grandson Eliot Libby, and his service with the U.S. Army.
Bill was predeceased by his wife, Dolly A. Carter; his parents; and brother, Charles Carter.
He leaves behind a son, Shawn W. Carter and wife Jessica of Jefferson; step-daughters, Alisa Gibbs and husband Stanley of Arizona, Martine Turner of Lewiston, and Sonia Strout and husband Joe of Lewiston; grandchildren, Eliot Libby and wife Allisha and their son Isaac Olson of Hinesville, Ga., Chad Carter and Benjamin Carter of Jefferson, and Jacob Strout, Sarah Turner and Emily Turner of Lewiston; step-son, Lee Thurlow of Portland; niece, Denise Carter Pierce of Damariscotta, and her family; and brother, Milton Dale Carter of Washington state.
Services 11 a.m., Thurs., Dec. 29 at the Lincoln Academy Nelson Bailey Gymnasium, 81 Academy Hill Rd., Newcastle. The service will include both Military and Law Enforcement Honors.
At the request of the family, in lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to Camp Postcard, 14 Main St., Suite 301, Brunswick, ME 04011.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
