Paul Carpenter

Mr. Paul Carpenter, 88, of Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee, passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 5, 2018, at Maury Regional Transitional Care Center following a brief illness.

Born in Giles County on March 15, 1930, he was the son of Edward Taylor and Reathel Brumit Carpenter. Paul graduated from Columbia Central High School in 1948 and served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict from June 1951 to May 1953. After returning home, he married Barbara Ann Langley; they celebrated sixty-three happy years together on August 12 of this year. Paul was a loyal employee of Barr Motor Company in Columbia where he managed the parts department until his retirement. While working, he earned several trips. His favorite was to Hawaii where he toured the USS Arizona Memorial honoring the sacrifice of its crew as well as all of those who served at Pearl Harbor. Paul loved his community as much as his country. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Mt. Pleasant, serving often as usher and greeter. In addition, he was a member of the American Legion for sixty-five continuous years, and he enjoyed supporting the Mt. Pleasant Band where his sons both played drums. Along with friends Harry Williams and Pete Bassham, Paul was a longtime scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 1111 in Mt. Pleasant. Paul loved and was loved by his family. They looked forward to watching football together and attending games, especially the Titans and Volunteers. They enjoyed spending time together on the Tennessee River, where his sons knew him to be the most patient boat driver when they wanted to water ski. Paul was a gentle, kind man who found the good in all situations and people.

Paul is preceded in death by his parents and his son, Thomas Edward Carpenter. He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; son John Paul (Barbara) Carpenter; two grandsons, Joseph Langley and John Taylor Carpenter; a twin sister, Pauline Rankin; nephew, Paul Allen (Mary Ann) Rankin; niece, Linda Craig; great-nephew, Chris Craig.

The family will visit with friends on Saturday, October 13, 2018, from noon until 2:00 P.M. at Williams Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant. A service will be held immediately following visitation. Reverend Tommy Vann will officiate, and interment will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens. with military honors provided by the Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19.

Pallbearers will be Joseph Carpenter, Taylor Carpenter, Paul Allen Rankin, David Carpenter, Webb Williams and Chris Hughes. Honorary pallbearers will be life-long friend Shelby Carpenter, Gene Barr, James Barr and Pete Bassham.

Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to williamsfh.com.