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REGGIE CARPENTER Obituary
CARPENTER REGGIE P. CARPENTER Reggie Parks Carpenter, 51, Captain, United States Navy, died from sudden cardiac arrest in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on February 3, 2015. Captain Carpenter, from Cherryville, North Carolina, graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1985 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications. He was commissioned an officer in the Navy via the Aviation Officer Candidate School, and received his aviator "Wings of Gold" in 1987. Captain Carpenter, also known as "Regbo" to fellow aviators, bravely served in the defense of the United States for 29 years. He flew tactical missions in three jet aircraft, in four operational squadrons, and over six aircraft carrier-based deployments, including one as an exchange pilot with the French Navy. A graduate of the U.S. Naval War College with a Masters in National Security and Strategic Studies, the personal highlight of Captain Carpenter's career was his tour as commanding officer of Strike Fighter Squadron EIGHTY THREE (VFA-83), an F/A-18C Hornet squadron at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, VA. His final tours of duty, which he also enjoyed immensely, were in military diplomacy. He served as Naval Attaché to France, from 2007 to 2011, and to Argentina, from 2012 to 2015. Captain Carpenter was a highly decorated naval aviator who earned many awards and medals during his career, including the Distinguished Flying Cross. A devoted, loving husband and father, he was also a kind, passionate man with quick wit and boundless zest for life. Captain Carpenter is survived by his wife, Suzanne, and daughters, Avery and Caroline; mother, Barbara Cannon; sister, Kelly Stewart; brother-in-law, Bob Stewart; and many loving friends and colleagues from all over the world. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, 2015, at Vienna Presbyterian Church, 124 Park St. NE, Vienna, VA. Interment with full military honors will take place at 3 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2015, at Arlington National Cemetery. Contributions in memory of Reggie Carpenter may be made to the American Heart/American Stroke Association using the following link http://honor.americanheart.org/ goto/reggiecarpentergoto/reggiecarpenter
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Memories and Condolences
for REGGIE CARPENTER
Anonymous
November 13, 2022
I am so sorry for the years of pain and sadness this must have caused your family. Though I wanted to say he must be so proud of his daughters and I´m sure Caroline is honored to be able to follow in his footsteps and attend UNC chapel hill, she has an amazing spirit and soul just as her father did. May he continue to Rest In Peace and be loved by so many.
Mary Gillman
April 29, 2015
You and the girls have been in my thoughts daily since I first heard of Reggie's passing. Your beautiful life together and the love you shared is an inspiration to all. I know he will be watching over you and the girls the rest of your lives. Love and prayers to you, your family, and Reggie's parents and family.
Richard and Dorothy Ellison
April 28, 2015
Reggie was a remarkable and different from the ordinary man by the way he expressed his love for country and family. God speed, Reggie.
Kim Greathouse
April 27, 2015
An outstanding man, that will be missed by many. Thank you for your service Regbo! RIP...
Laura Ellison
April 26, 2015
Thinking of you all and keeping you in my prayers now and in the difficult days ahead. Reggie was a great guy, he will be missed by many.
reva black brown
April 25, 2015
i am so sorry to hear about my friend reggie may god bless his family and may god comfort them in this time of need you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers cherryville lost a vrry good man i will never forget him as long as i live he always had something funny to say that always kept me laughing may god bless you
Tony Putnam
April 25, 2015
So sorry for your passing my good buddy. May you rest in peace.
Leslie Heavner
April 25, 2015
Thoughts & prayers from a CHS Class of 81 classmate/friend. May your memories & the love of everyone Reggie touched give you comfort & strength. God Bless!!
April 25, 2015
Suzanne,
We were devastated to hear the news of Reggie's passing. Ron is serving on the West Coast I think he still can't believe it. I know Reggie will always be watching over you and with you. It may be a song, a touch, a smell, but whatever it may be...we pray you find peace and comfort in the coming days.
Much love,
Ron and Wendy Boxall
Thelda Wood
April 25, 2015
Thinking of you as you lay Reggie to rest. He has earned his wings in heaven but will be with you always. Every achievement his girls will make, Reggie will be there watching. God bless u all. Sending hugs and love always.
April 24, 2015
Suzanne
God bless you and the girls. Your husband was a hero.
Neal Coker
Gary and Jenn Harton
April 24, 2015
Rest in Peace my friend, we didn't know you and your family for very long but felt like we'd known you our whole lives. We'll look after Suzanne and the girls, don't worry!
Lynn Frank
April 24, 2015
Suzanne,
We are honored and blessed to be with you this day as we remember and pay tribute to an amazing man. He was a man who truly "lived". His life touched many worldwide, as he loved his country and his family well.
Thank you for the joy that you brought into his life. It is not a small thing to be the wife and mother while your husband serves so many others. You need the comfort of knowing that you were a constant source of strength to him then, as you are now to the girls, and obviously made him a very happy and contented man.
You know that your North Carolina family loves you and the girls and we want to support you as you continue to deal with the aftermath of losing Reggie. I will pray for your continued strength as you make tough decisions and care for your family.
Much love,
Lynn
Carrie Bening
April 24, 2015
Thinking of you and your family as you move through the week. Reggie may be gone but he left a mark that will last in your memories forever.
April 24, 2015
Reggie will forever be in our hearts and always watching over you, Avery and Caroline. He left an amazing legacy that will continue on. You guys are family and we will will be with you throughout this difficult journey. We love you! Kim and Trey
Libby Beach
April 24, 2015
Thinking of all of Reggie's friends and family today and sending my deepest sympathies for this tragic loss of a great man, my friend and our "hometown hero".
April 23, 2015
So saddened to hear of Reggie's passing. We have you in our thoughts and prayers, as he has his family's heart with him.
Take Care,
Ray and Ramona Hodgkins
Birgitta & Bertil Dahlrot
April 23, 2015
Suzanne, you and your girls are in our thoughts. We have many good memories of Reggie from our time in Paris. Lots of love. Birgitta & Bertil ( Sweden).
Michael McGurk
April 23, 2015
Suzanne: Words fail me as they do most. Regbo was a treasure to all who knew him. He was, as you said, a kind and generous man. He was loved by many especially his family but also by his brothers-in-arms. He will be missed. Fair Winds and Following Seas Regbo! Prayers+ of strength for the family. Michael and Angie
Michele Nelson
April 23, 2015
Suzanne, Caroline and Avery-Reggie was an amazing person who will be forever in the hearts of you, his family and his friends. I feel honored to have known him. He made this world a better place. Be strong. Thinking of you always.
Sandy Kilby
April 23, 2015
Suzanne- you are in my thoughts and prayers- Reggie will live on in your hearts- I just can't imagine the loss you feel- I know the love and bond you two have will live on forever- hugs
Barbara Heard
April 23, 2015
Prayers of strength for your ongoing journey Suzanne, Avery and Caroline as you find joy among the many wonderful memories of dear Reggie. His light still shines. Much love.
Talia Murphy
April 23, 2015
Our thoughts are with you, the girls and your families in this special time to remember and honor a wonderful husband, father and friend. We all miss you in Buenos Aires, but know that you are where you need to be.
Family PARMIGGIANI
April 23, 2015
Reggie always remained gentle and jovial and I am so proud to had the chance to meet him in my life.
It is painful to lose you Buddy, but God knows what is best.
Your Italian friends wish you farewell.
May St. Peter and all the saints open wide the gates of heaven as the angels welcome you.
Farewell to the perfect US Navy Officer and gentleman, as well as a good friend.
Your Loving Sister, Robbie
April 23, 2015
To my Sister Suzanne, Avery and Caroline -- be strong, Reggie will be with you forever. Spirit, sights and sounds will resonate within. Peace be with you and eternal peace to Reggie.
Susan Gassman
April 23, 2015
I met Reggie and Suzanne while walking our dogs in the neighborhood. There was a connection between them that was undeniable. Always in a good mood, happy to chat about life and Elvis. It wasn't until recently that I knew how accomplished Reggie was in his professional life but it was always clear how happy he was in his personal life. Some losses can't be understood and are so profound that the words don't come but the feelings are strong for so many. May love and memories carry Reggie's family throughout the years.
Guigone Fennell
April 23, 2015
Thinking of you and the girls during this difficult period.
The Fennell Family
McCarthy
April 23, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. May the Most High God (Psalm 83:18) comfort you as you mourn your loved one.
Margaret Bedolla
April 23, 2015
Extraordinary man, extraordinary life. Holding you and your daughters in my heart.
Carmen Bowen
April 23, 2015
Words cannot express my deepest and most sincere sympathy for you and the girls Suzanne. Cherish all of your beautiful memories. Prayers and hugs to your entire family!
Remembering wonderful time with Reggie and friends at Amelia Island, FL 4-2014
Marjorie Hennessee
April 23, 2015
My sympathy to all the family who loved Reggie so much. May his loving spirit give you comfort during this most difficult time. Cherish his love and the wonderful moments you spent with him.
Laura Schmorrow
April 23, 2015
Lovely Carpenter Ladies,
We are all privileged to have known your amazing husband and father, a man who was not only kind and generous but clever and funny. We are glad you are back in Vienna surrounded by friends who will do anything for you as you take these next steps forward. You are in this fellow-Navy family's thoughts every day. xoxoxo, the Schmorrows
Susan Gotthelf
April 23, 2015
Thinking of you and the girls (and Elvis and Messi!) every day. Much love. Susan and Emma.
Debra Zmolek
April 20, 2015
As I reach out to you all I want to do is hold you and love you in this most difficult time. I pray that Reggie's spirit will bring you comfort. With my deepest love, your Cousin, Debra Zmolek Baird
American Heart/American Stroke Association
April 19, 2015
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
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