Joseph Wiseman (J.W.) Carpenter, formerly of North Cove, died Friday, November 9, 2018 at his home on the river in Old Fort, NC after a fiercely fought battle with Parkinson’s Disease. J.W. was 85 years of age, but forever young at heart. He was born in Avery County on June 30, 1933 to Robert Lee Carpenter, Sr. and Mildred Wiseman Carpenter.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his first wife, Joann “Pat” Reavis Carpenter, who passed away in 1995. In addition, he is predeceased by a brother, Robert “Bob” Carpenter, Jr.; a sister, Margaret C. Fender and her husband, Earl R. Fender; and a nephew Robert Gary Carpenter. J.W. is survived by his wife, Sandra Lytle Carpenter; two children, Tim Carpenter and Christy Carpenter; two grandchildren, Steve Wright and Kim Wright; and two great-grandchildren, Maria and Cara Leon-Wright, all of Marion.
J.W. loved his family dearly and cherished the time spent with them. J.W. led a remarkable life. He graduated from North Cove High School at age 16 and attended Appalachian State University while working at Linville Caverns to finance his education.
He worked for McDowell County Schools as a sixth grade teacher for 5 years, taught special education classes, and worked as the custodian and bus driver for North Cove Elementary School before retiring in 1995. He was a member of Concord United Methodist Church where he faithfully served as needed, especially the nursery on Sunday mornings when his grandchildren were young. He was a certified First Responder and a charter-member of the Ashford-North Cove Volunteer Fire Department which was organized in 1972.
He was Fire Chief for thirteen years and instrumental in establishing the fire college and building training facilities within McDowell County. He served 2 years as president of the McDowell County Firemen’s Association and was a former secretary/treasurer of the McDowell County Fire Commission. JW will be remembered for his quick sense of humor, teasing pranks, his interest in the Civil War, his love of sports, his Hershey bar addiction, the smell of Gravity aftershave, his eclectic taste in music, his enjoyment of rocking on the porch, his excitement at Christmas, and his enjoyment of eating.
JW never met a stranger, nor could he go anywhere without seeing someone he knew. He was a well-loved member of his community and impacted the lives of many through his kindness, caring and laughter. He will be missed.
JW’s family would like to express their appreciation to those who stepped in to assist in providing care for JW: Sandra’s family, Nina Maxwell, “his girls”, and the wonderful staff and volunteers of Hospice. Receiving of family and friends will be held at Beam Funeral Service, located on Rutherford Road, Marion, NC on Sunday, November 11, 2018, 4 – 6 p.m. The memorial service will be at Concord United Methodist Church in his hometown of North Cove on Monday, November 12, 2018 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Carroll Miller officiating.
A private committal service will be held in the church cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider making a contribution in his memory to Carepartners Hospice & Palliative Care of McDowell County, PO Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813 in recognition of the loving care they provided JW and his family, your local fire department, or Project Christmas, PO Box 2198, Marion, NC 28752. Donations may be made to: CarePartners Hospice & Palliative Care – McDowell P.O. Box 25338, Asheville NC 28813 Tel: 1-828-659-7068 Web: www.
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