Julian Sonny Carpenter Jr.

Julian Walker “Sonny” Carpenter Jr. passed away at his home on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2015, following a valiant battle with cancer. Sonny, as he was known to all, was born to Annie Bowen and Julian Walker Carpenter Sr., on Dec. 10, 1931, in Salisbury. Sonny graduated from Boyden High School. His education at Catawba College was interrupted by his service in the United States Air Force from 1950-54. He returned to Catawba and graduated in 1957. Following Catawba, Sonny worked for HUD (Housing and Urban Development) before opening Carpenter Appraisal and Realty in 1980, which remained open until this past week. Adrian Grenier once stated, “What is important is family, friends, giving back to your community and finding meaning of life.....” words which truly defined Sonny Carpenter. Sonny was passionate about giving back to the community where he lived his entire life. He joined the Salisbury Rotary Club on July 1,1957, where he had 58 years of perfect attendance prior to his illness. In Rotary, he held most leadership positions including president from 1972-1973 and secretary for 20 years. Sonny was also a Paul Harris Fellow. In 1987, he was part of the steering committee to form the Rowan Rotary Club. In 1984, Sonny was appointed to the Salisbury Housing Authority where he served as commissioner for 16 years; as vice chairman for four years; and most recently as chairman for the past 11 years. His 31 years of tenure on the board is the longest of any member since the board's inception in 1949. His leadership was critical in the development of two properties for low-income seniors: Fleming Heights in 2004 and Carpenter's Corner in 2008. In 2009, the Salisbury Housing Authority honored Sonny with the dedication of Carpenter's Corner located at the corner of South Long Street and South Shaver Street. Under his leadership, the Salisbury Housing Authority is replacing their oldest housing community, Civic Park, with 170 new energy efficient, mixed-income apartments on Brenner Avenue, a $21 million investment in the West End. Twenty years ago, Sonny was recognized as one of the top five donors of blood in the county. He began giving blood in 1947 when a classmate was injured in a sledding accident and needed blood. He was forced to stop giving blood while undergoing treatment for cancer. Sonny married the former Dinah Belle Deitz on Oct. 6, 1957, and they are the parents of two children. Daughter Jennifer Dean Carpenter Kennerly (Brian) lives in Concord with her husband and son Murphey. Son Bowen Deitz Carpenter (Donna Heinrich) lives in Raleigh. Sonny was preceded in death by his two sisters, Joanne Carpenter Eberly and Isabelle Carpenter Murdoch. He is also survived by cousins, nieces and nephews. Known for his great sense of humor and laid back style, Sonny loved spending time with his family, especially beach time at Cherry Grove from where he and his family recently returned from vacation. He was also very fond of playing the role of doting grandfather to grandson Murphey. His four-legged family members also held a special place in his heart. Arrangements: A memorial service for Sonny will be held at First United Methodist Church in Salisbury on Monday, Aug. 10 at 2 p.m. Members of the Salisbury and Rowan Rotary Clubs will be seated together. The family will receive guests in the Fellowship Hall following the service. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Salisbury Rotary Scholarship Fund, (Jill Blumenthal, Donor Relations Specialist, Contributions, Foundation for the Carolinas, 220 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202 To: Salisbury Rotary Club Scholarship Trust Fund,); First United Methodist Church (217 S. Church St., Salisbury, NC 28144,); or Faithful Friends (220 Grace Church Road, Salisbury, NC 28147.) Dinah, Jenny and Bowen would like to express their thanks to Hospice of Rowan County for their care of Sonny during this very difficult time. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Carpenter family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.