Samuel “Will” Wilson Carter died on July 9 in Laval, Quebec, where he lived.
Carter, the former owner of Pine Plains Fine Wines and Liquors, was 77, and died of esophageal cancer.
Carter was born on May 2, 1947, in Princeton, W.Va., to Wilson and Marguarite Carter.
Carter studied organ at the Cincinnati Conservatory, the Eastman School of Music, and the Indiana School of Music, and with many organists in the United States and Europe. During a break from music, he attended Wabash Men’s College, where he was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity.
While in college, he was the organist for Christ Church Cathedral in Indianapolis, Ind. He moved to New York in 1968, where he served as organist for the church of St. John the Evangelist, the Church of our Savior, and a Jewish synagogue. He also was a guest performer at Riverside Church, the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin, St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Alice Tully Hall, and some high-profile weddings. His last position as organist before he moved to Canada was for The Smithfield Church in Amenia.
Carter was dean of the New York City chapter of the American Guild of Organists from 1977 to 1980. Queen Elizabeth II twice decorated him for his service to church music.
Carter also worked for GQ magazine, where he set up fashion shows across the country for the magazine’s advertisers.
Carter is survived by his partner of 28 years, Todd Lohrey of Laval, Quebec; a sister, Martha (Bruce) Fielden of Savannah, Ga.; a niece, Sara Beth Fielden of Savannah, Ga.; many cousins; and his Canadian family.
A memorial service will be held at Memoria, 2159 boul. Saint-Martin Est, Laval, Quebec, on Aug. 25, 2024, at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations may be made to the American or Canadian Cancer Society.