Reverend Leroy Keith Carpenter, 78, of Powell, TN went home to the Lord Wednesday, November 18, 2015. He was a decorated Vietnam veteran and recipient of the Bronze Star. Leroy was a Marine for two years and then served another 18 years in the Air Force. He served in the ministry from 1973 to 1999 where he was the Pastor at Southwestern Baptist Church (1973-1979) and Pinecrest Baptist Church (1979- 1987) both in Johnson City, TN, and then moved to North Dakota where he was the Pastor at North Hills Baptist Church (1987-1999) in Minot, ND. In his spare time Leroy enjoyed painting and playing his guitar.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William & Clara Carpenter; son Bryan Carpenter; and daughter Cheryl Carpenter.
Leroy is survived by his wife and soul mate of 56 years Dorothy "Dot" Carpenter; son Jonathan "Jon" Carpenter; daughter Tammera "Tammy" Carpenter and longtime boyfriend Allen Morring; daughter-in-law Christie Carpenter; and his two grandsons Clayton (Kate) Carpenter and Mason Carpenter.
The Rev. Gary Vandergriff will lead the Graveside Service on Tuesday November 24, 2015 at 1:30 PM at Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, 2200 East Governor John Sevier Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920, aka HWY 168.
In Lieu of flowers the family has asked for donations to three organizations, The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering; the Gideon''s Bible Society; and/or the Wounded Warrior Project.
John 3:16 (KJV) For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
To share your thoughts and condolences please go to www.woodhavenfh.com. Woodhaven Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens are honored to serve the Carpenter Family.