Rodney Carter

Rodney Arthur Carter, 64, of Safford, Arizona passed away on August 4, 2011, at his home after losing a battle with prostate cancer. Rod was born on July 9, 1947, the first of three children born to Art and Rinda Carter. He attended school in Safford from kindergarten thru high school. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served four years active duty. He spent the rest of his life jumping between Safford and the Tempe area working at various jobs trying to find the perfect job. While working for Continental Airlines in Phoenix he married Jean Lussier. They had two children, Kristi Lynn and Willman Mons (Bill) Carter. Kristi was born in Safford and Bill was born in Mesa. While operating the Pima Texaco station in Pima he and Jean were divorced. She moved back to Mesa and he stayed in Pima. In 1987 he met Carol Ann (Fleury) Good who also had two children, Christopher John and Connie Louise Good. They married on July 24, 1987 and moved from Pima to Safford where they made their permanent residence. Rod and Carol loved western dancing and did it any time they could find a live band. Rod was a member of the American Legion Post 32 and BPOE 1607, where they enjoyed going to see friends and have a good time. Rod never found that perfect job but kept his residence in Safford where Carol stayed and worked at Johnson Motors, while he worked construction wherever it took him. In November 2000 he found work in Safford at Morris Sand and Gravel mostly running the hot plant. Rod was preceded in death by his father Arthur Carter. He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Carol Ann (Fleury) Carter of Safford; his mother Rinda Lou (Ferguson) of Thatcher; his brother Willman Ray (Bill) Carter (Charlotte) of Thatcher; his sister Cindy Lou Zwerk (Randy) of Tucson; his children Kristi Lynn Moreno (Manuel), Willman Mons (Bill) Carter of Mesa; his stepdaughter, Connie Good of Pima; his stepson Christopher Good of Show low; six grandchildren, Hailey and Kailey Moreno of Mesa and James Barris, Christian Fass, Jace Barney and Ann-Marie Barney of Pima; and many aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. A special thanks to a special friend, Jimmy Freestone, for all his time spent helping to care for Rod. A private one hour viewing for the family and close friends will be held on Friday, August 12, 2011 at Caldwell Funeral Chapel at 7pm. A celebration of Rods life, open to the public, will be held on, Saturday August 13, 2011 at the Safford American Legion Post 32 at 1pm. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Rod's wife Carol to help with expenses.