It is with a great sense of loss that the family of John Henry Carpenter announces his passing on Christmas Eve. He went to sleep in his Aberdeen home and woke up in his Promised Home in heaven.
John was a people person and friend to countless individuals. He loved to read. He would say that what he enjoyed about a rainy day at the beach was the excuse to stay indoors and put a jigsaw puzzle together.
John was born on December 7, 1931, in Pinebluff, NC to Willie King “Bill” Carpenter and Effie Tarlton Carpenter. He graduated from Aberdeen High School in 1950, married his high school sweetheart, Claudia Williams, in April 1951, and joined the military in December 1951. He served 4 years in the US Air Force during the Korean War as a Control Tower Operator stationed in Texas, Mississippi, Georgia, Japan, and South Carolina.
After his military service, John worked at his father-in-law’s sawmill before partnering with his eldest brother to run Carpenter Garage in Pinebluff. In 1960, he began working for the Walker Martin GE company in Raleigh. John accepted a position at Sandhills Community College when it officially opened in October 1965. “Mr C”, as he was affectionately referred to by his students, was a member of the faculty until his retirement in 1998. Afterward, he worked part-time for 5 years at Powell Funeral Home. John spent his retirement years caring for his wife, traveling, and visiting nursing homes.
John also found time to be active in his community. He was recognized for his 14 years of dedicated service to the Town of Pinebluff, where he held the positions of commissioner and mayor. Because of his Christian faith, no matter where John lived, it was important to him to find a place to worship Jesus.
While raising a family, working full-time, and actively serving his church and community, John earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree commuting to North Carolina State University.
John leaves cherished memories to his 3 children: Marsha Carpenter of Aberdeen, NC, Stephen Carpenter (and Sandy) of Asheville, NC, and Amy Heath (and Dennis) of Stuttgart, Germany. He also is survived by 6 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren, and their spouses.
A service to celebrate John’s life will be held Saturday, December 29, at Noon, at Pinebluff Cemetery. The family will receive guests at all other times at 607 John McQueen Rd, Aberdeen NC.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in Johnny’s name to Ives Memorial Baptist Church Benevolence Fund, 365 E. Philadelphia Ave Pinebluff, NC 28373.
Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.
To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of John Henry Carpenter, please visit Boles’ Tribute Store.
