Obituary

Clifford Ware Carter, 85, of Chesterfield, VA, went to be with his youngest daughter and loving parents in Heaven on Wednesday, November 2, 2022. Clifford, “Cliff,” was born October 5, 1937 in Richmond, Virginia to George Hester and Florence Gill Carter. He was preceded in death by his father, George; his mother, Florence; his brother, Hester Gray Carter; and his daughter, Rhonda Carter Dabney.

He is survived by his wife, Sylvia Darlene Carter; his children, Jean St. John (Jerry), Janet Mustian (Bennett), and Wesley Carter (Linda); his children through marriage, Mitzie Peaco, Jackie Tully (Chris), Tammy Venhuizen (Walter), and Heather Kirkpatrick (Eric); his grandchildren, Brandi Hoy (Luther), Jessie Mustian (Peter Turner), Rick Mustian Jr. (Brooke), Michele & Allen Carter, Rachel St. John (Gary), Kelly Leon (Otto), Carter Dabney, Chelsea & Charlie Peaco, Jake, Nick, & Sophie Tully, Madison Garman (Matt), Morgan Venhuizen, and Christian & Caleb Kirkpatrick; his great-grandchildren, Sydney & Crosby Hoy, Lena Leon, and Gage Peaco; his three nieces, Shannon Norman (Marty), Vicki Teeters, and Cindy Reuss (Buck); and one nephew, James Hodges (Paula).

Cliff was a strong-willed man who was particular and firm while simultaneously big hearted and kind. He was a hard worker and extremely dedicated to supporting his family. With friends he was generous and often helped by tinkering on their lawn mowers; by bringing breads, cakes, and other sweets when he worked in the grocery business; by offering financial support, or by gifting an item from his eclectic garage collection. Over the years, Cliff softened more from the energy brought about by grandchildren. He loved to balance them in his hand when they were little and to get them laughing. He sent cards for every birthday, which he proudly made on the computer himself, and he never missed a family gathering. Cliff had a big appetite for home cooking and was spoiled by his mother, “Nanny,” and his wife of 26 years, Sylvia. Despite his preference for homemade meals, he never turned down a Captain D’s takeout and regularly kept Hardee’s coupons on hand. Cliff was passionate about cars, his cat Tee Tee, and finding “a good deal.” Above all, he believed in the value of family and friends, and he loved his dearly. Cliff will live on in the hearts of those closest to him, and he’ll be remembered for the wonderful man that he was: the plaid shirt-wearing, old car-loving, gentle soul who worked hard, cared for others, and ate absolutely anything that was chocolate.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Central Virginia Food Bank or Bon Secours Hospice. Services will be held for family and friends on Wednesday, November 9th. Interment at Dale Memorial Cemetery. Hug your loved ones TODAY!