Douglas Ray Carpenter Sr.

Douglas Ray Carpenter, Sr., of Cordova, TN, died on July 24 at Methodist Hospice in Memphis, TN of complications from an automobile accident. He was 88 years old. Doug was born on March 1, 1937, in Etowah, AR to James and Lois (née Truelove) Carpenter, the second of seven children. Called "Doyle" by his family, he grew up near Lepanto, AR and moved to Wilson, AR during High School. It was in Wilson that he met Mary Abbott. They married in 1957 and enjoyed 60 years of a devoted and loving marriage before her death in 2017. During many years of her illness, he devoted several years of caring for her. Throughout their marriage, they were a team, and they demonstrated true commitment and love. They were dedicated and loving parents who raised four boys. Doug dearly loved his family, both immediate and extended. For 35 years, Doug was employed with Memphis Light, Gas, and Water. He worked as an electrician for many years in substation construction and maintenance. Eventually, he spent his last years at MLGW as a supervisor. Doug made friends easily and often, and he maintained many friendships from work as the years went by. After retirement, he always kept busy with gardening, yard work, home improvements, woodworking, traveling, and visiting family. A man of deep Christian faith, Doug spent many years as a member of Germantown United Methodist Church. Recently, he had become a part of Grace Evangelical Church where he continued his legacy. Devoted to studying scripture and serving others, he was a part of several Bible studies, prayer groups, and the Gilbert Sunday School class at GUMC for more than fifty years. He delivered food, packed meals for children, and visited shut-in persons. His life was an example of humility, decency, and integrity. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers (James and Dan) and two sisters (Mary and Martha). He is survived by his sons Doug, Jr. (Jeanette), Ron (Suzie), Tim (Dawn), Jason (Rachel), eight grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister LaWanda (Peter) Roudebush of Kansas City, MO, and his brother Mike (Virginia) Carpenter of Novelty, MO. He made a tremendous mark on many lives and will be greatly missed. Services will be at Germantown United Methodist Church on Saturday, August 9, at 11 a.m. Visitation will be prior to the service from 9:00-11:00 a.m. To send a flower arrangement in memory of Douglas Ray Carpenter, Sr., please click here to visit our sympathy store.