Birth Date: 06/05/1924
Deceased Date: 01/14/2025
John Ferrell Carpenter (1924-2025)
At 100 years young, John embarked on his glorious trip to Heaven on January 14th, ready to deliver heavenly mail and fix anything in need of repair. After a long life of service to his God, his country, his family, and to a multitude of work and church colleagues, he was called home.
Our family celebrates his life and its impact on all of us. John is survived by his two grown children, Van and Cindi and their spouses Deborah and Lee. Also surviving are his three grandsons, Adam, Jared, and Zane and two great granddaughters Margaux and Maren. We all wish him joy and peace on his final adventure. We fully expect him to have a great reunion with Fran, his recently departed wife of 77 years. While we will miss his humorous and engaging physical presence here, we will always lovingly remember his spirit in our hearts.
John was truly the embodiment of a Christ-like servant throughout his full and utilitarian life. Some memories of his life include:
Born in Durham County NC, John was a farm boy that worked hard to support his single mother family. He loved cars and could “fix anything” mechanical. Barely eighteen, he enlisted in the US Army during WWII and served in the Panama Canal area. After service, he attended Campbell University and there met and soon married Frances Upchurch. After they were married, he went to work with US Postal Service. With a continually upward growth in assignments in the Post office, he retired as the Manager of Delivery and Collection for all of Raleigh. Throughout these years, he served in the NC National Guard in many assignments across the state. After 33 years of service, he retired and received numerous commendations for his honorable service. John served as a Deacon at Forest Hills Baptist church throughout his life and served in numerous teaching and mission roles for the church throughout his life.
After retirement, John and Fran were active in their Forest Hills Baptist Church and the community until their health and age slowed them down a bit. They moved to Clayton to be close to the children and most recently, they moved to an assisted care facility in Smithfield where Fran and John continued to live and serve while being cared for by their family and other people. Fran passed away in August of 2024 and John moved to Cindi and Lee’s house for more personalized care.
Bottom line – John Carpenter lived a life of service to others in the name of God. He was quick to engage with others and tell a joke or two You could depend on John always to help you and do what he said he would. He was a great Father and teacher to his children and grandchildren. He and the countless stories surrounding his colorful, well-lived life will be fondly remembered and lovingly revered by all that knew him.
There will be a Memorial Service held for John on Saturday, January 25th, 2025 at Unity Church of the Triangle located at 5570 Mumford Road, Raleigh, NC 27612. Visitation will be held for the family immediately prior to the service from 1pm to 2pm. John’s Memorial Service will begin at 2pm until concluded.
He was quick to engage with others and tell a joke or two You could depend on John always to help you and do what he said he would. He was a great Father and teacher to his children and grandchildren.
There will be a Memorial Service held for John on Saturday, January 25th, 2025, at Unity Church of the Triangle located at 5570 Mumford Road, Raleigh, NC 27612. Visitation will be held for the family immediately prior to the service from 1pm to 2pm. John’s Memorial Service and Celebration will begin at 2pm until concluded.
