Winford Bart "Sonny" Carter, 88, of Hilton Head, South Carolina passed away at his home on August 10, 2025 with his family by his side. 

Winford was born on May 31, 1937 to William Bart and Gracie Estelle Cline Carter in Star City, Arkansas. He was a 1955 graduate of Star City High School, where he was a member of the choir, Rocket Staff, in the senior play and Bulldog Football team.

After graduation, he joined the United States Air Force and served his country for six years. His military service was followed by careers with Western Union and the Internal Revenue Service. Winford was a lifetime member of the Branchville Lodge #256, a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, the Orangeburg Shag Club and Jerusalem Methodist Church in Santee, South Carolina.

He was preceded in death by his parents Bart and Gracie Carter, his brothers Robbie Ray Carter, Robert Edward Carter, William Glyn Carter and Otis Gene Carter and his sisters Loy Opal Scott, Gertrude Estelle McGehee, Joy Bernice Rupe and Bobbie Ruth Reynolds. He is survived by his wife Shelby Moore Pirkey Carter, 1 son, 2 daughters, 5 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, 2 step - sons, 2 step - grandsons, 3 step - granddaughters and a host of nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held September 12,2025 in Hilton Head, South Carolina and a private burial at a later date at the Holly Springs Cemetery in Garnett, Arkansas.