Robert C. Carpenter

Robert Carpenter Obituary

Senator Robert C. Carpenter

Franklin - Senator Robert C. Carpenter, 87, of Franklin, passed away Saturday, August 6, 2011.

Bob was born and raised in Macon County. The Carpenter family has been in Macon County since the 18th Century. He was the son of the late Edgar Jackson Carpenter and Eula Dean Carpenter. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife of 39 years, Ruth Cope Carpenter who died in 1985; three daughters, Elizabeth Poppe, Jane Gullett and Deborah Marshall; three brothers, Jack, Dean and Edgar and stepson, Clyde Bryant, Jr. Bob was a graduate of Franklin High School and the University of VA, School of Banking. Bob was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII. He was a bank executive with Bank of Franklin, Bank of Asheville and was Vice President for First Union, managing five branches in the local area. After retirement Bob entered his political career becoming Senator in the North Carolina General Assembly serving eight terms. He was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church, K.O.C., American Legion, S.A.R.S., Rotary Club of Franklin as well as many other civic, political and youth organizations.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, T. Helen Edwards Bryant Carpenter; five children, Robert D. Carpenter of Sylva, Dale R. Carpenter of Hurricane, WV, Thomas Carpenter of Conyers, GA, Edgar G. Carpenter of Charlotte, NC and Christine M. Carpenter of Waynesville, NC; brother, Kenneth Carpenter of Warner Robbins, GA; sister, Louise Darnell of Franklin; three step daughters, Deborah Bryant of Franklin, Susan Zolo of Fairfield, Iowa and Rebecca Prince of Franklin;34 grandchildren and great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 10, at St. Francis Catholic Church. Father Alex and Father Cahill will officiate. Burial will be in the Woodlawn Cemetery with military graveside rites by VFW Post 7339 and the American Legion Post 108.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, August 9, at Macon Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Bo Carpenter, Eric Carpenter, Cory Carpenter, , Jack Carpenter, Ted Carpenter, Sean Carpenter, Jeff Darnell and Jeremiah Prince

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences can be made at Maconfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Asheville Citizen-Times on Aug. 8, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Carpenter

8 Entries

Susan Brown

August 24, 2011

I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Carpenter's passing. He was such a sweet man. He will be greatly missed. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

August 10, 2011

Bob and I served on the Girl Scout Board of Directors together for a number of years. He was a dedicated member and believed in Girl Scouting. My prayers are with his family. Barbara L. Smith

Debbie Clary

August 9, 2011

I had the honor of serving in the Legislature with Senator Carpenter. He called me just two weeks ago to 'talk politics'. He was a strong conservative and a hard worker. We all loved him dearly. Senator Debbie Clary

August 9, 2011

Bobby,
I was saddened to learn of your father's death. He was a good man. I remember fondly the days at Asheville Catholic and seeing your father there quite often. My prayers go out to your family.
Thomas B. McMahon
"Tommy"

August 8, 2011

My deepest sympathy and prayers to Helen, Bob, Dale and Marge and family. I was deeply honored to call Bob my friend and, like everyone, will miss him. Senator Bob was that rare breed of true statesman, a man who stood on his principles and never wavered or backed down. His integrity, determination and compassion for all were legendary. Bob was a very compassionate disciple for Christ to the world. May God hold close his family in this time of sorrow. In Christ, Beverly Elliott, Clyde, NC

Bobby Capps

August 8, 2011

Thank you for your years of service. My condolences to Dale and Marge along with the rest of the family.

Paula Wolf

August 8, 2011

Many years ago, I had the privilege of working with Sen. Carpenter and the late Sen. Bill Martin on a safe haven bill for newborns. This was a truly bipartisan effort when such was possible. Sen. Carpenter held strong, personal beliefs and he listened to reason. He was a kind gentleman. May his memory be for a blessing.

Betty Budd

August 8, 2011

I wish to send condolences to the family of Senator Carpenter. May your happy memories sustain you and comfort you. I so very much appreciated his support on issues important to the NC Council on Women. He was always a great supporter and gave us wisdom. Betty Budd

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