John "Johnny" Carpenter

John "Johnny”  West Carpenter of Fort White, Florida passed away peacefully at his home on February 15, 2021, at the age of 94. Johnny is preceded in death by his father Luther Ray Carpenter, mother Lula Maude McCraine Carpenter, daughter Mary Sue Cobb, grandson Michael Lance Swann, Sisters Jeanette Thorne and Eloise Dollar, brothers Roy Carpenter and James Carpenter.

Johnny is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Rilla Monteen Dollar Carpenter. They were married in Phenix City, Alabama on November 12, 1949.

Johnny is lovingly remembered by his children, Wayne Carpenter (Laura), Theresa Clark (Charles), Joy Carpenter Smith (Joel), Mark Carpenter (Nadine), grandchildren, Kay Swann-Martin (Aaron), Richard Clark (Ashley Tate), Adrienne Carpenter Paxton (George "Gabby”), Candace Clark Scrivner (Daryl), Wesley Carpenter, Elena Carpenter, Amanda Carpenter and 15 great grandchildren, his sister Louise Skinner, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Johnny was born in Louisville, Alabama on March 15, 1926. He graduated from Seale High School, Seale, Alabama. He was a veteran of the US Navy and went on to work as an Environmental Engineer for the Pan-American Aerospace Division of Kennedy Space Center, retiring in 1987.

Johnny always liked to keep busy, be it throwing a fishing line in the river or ocean, tending his 2 acre garden or sitting around his fire pit sharing stories with family and friends. He loved people and they loved him. He truly lived life to the fullest. He will be deeply missed.

Graveside services will be held on Monday, February 22, 2021 at 2:00 PM in the Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery with Chaplin Tom Tyer officiating. The cemetery is located behind the Gateway – Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 3596 US-441, Lake City, FL 32025.

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