NATCHEZ — For some people, searching for their purpose can take an entire lifetime.

But for Jesse “Ted” Carter, the Natchez native discovered his purpose in the 1980s as a Jehovah’s Witness.

When The Dart landed on Espero Drive, Carter was in his driveway working on his 1985 Plymouth Grand Fury, which he purchased more than two decades ago.

Carter, 68, has experienced his fair share of travels, serving in the Vietnam War and also spending a few years living in Las Vegas.

Carter is married to T’Ann Carter, and said dedicating his life as a Jehovah’s Witness has served him well.

“A friend introduced me to the (Bible), and it’s the truth that leads to everlasting life,” Carter said.

Carter was baptized on Sept. 21, 1981, and said his life changed forever that day.

“I came out of a Baptist family, but I was having troubles,” he said.

Sept. 21 also served as a memorable day 10 years prior for Carter, as it was the day he left the military.

Carter graduated from Sadie V. Thompson High School in 1969 and was immediately drafted into the war.

He spent his early time training at Fort Polk in Louisiana as a weapons specialist and as a sharpshooter, before being transferred to Frankfurt, Germany.

Carter hurt his wrist in basic training at the Louisiana base, sidelining him to desk duty for the duration of his service time.

In 1979, Carter moved to Las Vegas, where he served as a floor-maintenance man for a number of notable hotels and casinos.

“The Mirage was just opening, but I started out at Caesar’s Palace,” Carter said. “When I went to The Mirage, I was introduced to marble floors, and that was my specialty. And when they opened Treasure Island, I was one of the supervisors that went over to maintain that part of the hotel and anything that dealt with floor areas.”

But it was two years later when he got his true calling as a Jehovah’s Witness.

Carter is retired and enjoying life, preaching to others while also showing off his bright orange Plymouth Grand Fury when the opportunity presents.

“When I go to Walmart, people love (the car),” he said. “This was the first car in Natchez to have this color paint.”