Christopher "Chris" Carpenter Sr.

June 29, 1930 - December 21, 2020

On Dec. 21, 2020 Chris Carpenter left on the Christmas star headed home. Christopher Avery Carpenter, Sr., was born on June 29th, 1930 in Scranton, PA to the late Edwin Graham Carpenter and Anne Avery Carpenter. He was raised in Moncks Corner, SC and attended Sewanee Military Academy, where he graduated in 1948. He went on to attend University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, where he played football. His education and football career were put on hold during the Korean War where he served two years in the Marines as a drill instructor and football coach at Parris Island, SC. He returned to the University of North Carolina to finish his football career and education. He graduated in 1954 with a Master’s in education. After graduation he moved to Rocky Mount, North Carolina to teach and coach football where he led the Rocky Mount Blackbirds to back- to- back 4-A state championships. His players were a part of his life to the end. He went on to coach football at the University of North Carolina, Vanderbilt, and Georgia Tech. He retired from Yum Foods in 1995. He was preceded in death by his parents, Graham and Anne Carpenter. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Martha Black Carpenter of the home. A brother, George Carpenter of Eutawville, SC, two daughters, Anne Carpenter and Sarah Carpenter of Florence, SC. A son Chris Carpenter, Jr. (Anne) of Atlanta, GA. A grandson, Christopher Avery Carpenter, III of Atlanta, GA. Two nieces, Tracy Strickland (Paul) of Summerville, SC and Kelly Newnham (Chris) of Beaufort, SC. He enjoyed golf, hunting, farming, and breeding and racing trotter horses. A private memorial service will be held. Memorials may be made to the Florence County Disabilities Foundation, PO Box 400, Lake City, SC 29560 or the Florence Area Humane Society, PO Box 4808, Florence, SC 29502. Please sign the tribute wall for the family at www.stoudenmiredowling.com.