John Richard Carpenter Sr.

Dr. John Richard Carpenter, Sr., 87, of Chapin died on Monday, November 10, 2025 in Chapin. Dr. Carpenter was a native of Galveston, Texas, born to St. Elmo Milton "Dick" Carpenter and Rosemary Prendergast Carpenter. Dr. Carpenter retired in 2000 as Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Geological Sciences from the University of South Carolina joining the faculty in 1966. While he was trained as a geochemist, he quickly discovered that teaching the geosciences and conducting research into geoscience/environmental science more rewarding. He started the Center for Science Education in the Geology Department at the university, which was designed to better equip middle school teachers to be able to teach geoscience more effectively. The Center continues to grow in scope for all aspects of science education in general. Dr. Carpenter always wanted to use his love of teaching to make the world a better place.
Dr. Carpenter was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church where he taught Sunday School and was active in missions. He and Charlie were active in disaster relief assisting those in need after Hurricane Katrina. He had many hobbies in his free time including golf and pottery but had a special affinity for woodworking. Although he stayed very busy, he and his wife Charlie enjoyed quiet times on family trips to Pawley's Island and elsewhere around the world. They also both loved and played golf together.
Dr. Carpenter is survived by his wife Charlene "Charlie" Jakeman Carpenter, his sons John Richard "Rick" (and Denise) Carpenter, Jr., Darryl Wayne (and Margaret) Carpenter; daughter Lynn Elizabeth Carpenter; brother James Milton "Jim" (and Jeanette) Carpenter; 7 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, and his brother and sister-in-law, Thomas Michael (and Cathy) Carpenter.
Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at St Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, 735 Old Lexington Hwy, Chapin, SC 29036. A gathering of family and friends will be held in the church fellowship hall immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church or St Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Dr. John Richard Carpenter.