Charles T. Carpenter, Jr

Charles T. Carpenter, Jr., Kings Mountain, August 3, 1921 - May 16, 2016 Charles Troy Carpenter, Jr. died on May 16 several months shy of his 95th birthday, having lived a life of honor and service to others. He was the oldest child of Charles Troy and Aileen Ormand Carpenter, grandson of Anderson Pinckney and Callie Hoke Carpenter, and, of Captain Batie Meek and Lillian Allison Ormand. His Ormand ancestors gather annually at the family's Old Furnace on Long Creek dating from 1788, and the B.M. Ormand home still stands on West Mountain Street. His paternal grandfather A.P. and uncle Marcus established a general store in 1874 and in 1878 built one of the town's first brick store buildings with red clay bricks from their brickyard. Carpenter Dry Goods, later Phifer Hardware, stood on Battleground Avenue for about 100 years. The Carpenter brothers also built houses on opposite corners of East Mountain Street, one remains and the other on the site of the current Kings Mountain Historical Museum, formerly the Post Office built in 1935. Ancestors were founding members of several civic and religious endeavors, including St. Matthews Lutheran Church and First Baptist Church. Charles graduated from Kings Mountain High School in 1938 and from Clemson College in 1942 with a BS degree in Textile Chemistry. From Clemson's Corp of Cadets and Officer's Candidate School at Ft. Benning, GA, he was commissioned as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army Infantry where he was in over 400 days in combat with the legendary 1st Infantry Division as a forward artillery observer. His 16th Infantry fought in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium and Germany, notably in the assault landings at Gela, Sicily, and Omaha Beach early on D-Day, and, through the Battle of the Bulge. Charles served at times under the commands of Generals Teddy Roosevelt and George Patton, and was highly decorated, being awarded all citations presented to the First Division, and earning two Silver Stars and two Bronze Stars for gallantry in action. Like many WWII veterans, Charles rarely discussed his military experiences but in the 1980s he informally organized local veterans, and in 1987, was appointed to the NC Veteran's Memorial Commission to erect a monument on the grounds of the NC Capitol. In 1997, the George C. Marshall Library and Foundation in Lexington, VA, began the Charles T. Carpenter Collection of his military papers, maps and awards.

Charles met the light of his life shortly after returning from service, marrying Marion Laughridge of Gastonia on May 4, 1947. They enjoyed a rewarding marriage for nearly 69 years until her death in February. Professionally, Charles was a journalist, serving as sports editor and circulation manager of the KM Herald, magistrate, and later, owner of Kings Mountain Real Estate. All along the way, he was a devoted family man and community supporter.

Known for being kindhearted, interested in the well-being of others, and being a friend to all, Charles was an ever-present advocate who took a keen interest in young people, wanting to give opportunities to others. He was an arch supporter of the area's American Legion baseball, serving as Junior Baseball Commissioner and for fifteen years as Athletics Coordinator helping young men participate and learn sportsmanship. Charles was a founding member and director of the KM Board of Realtors, and was an active member of Central Methodist Church, teaching high school Sunday School for many years. He was also active with the Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, Cleveland County Democratic Party, KM Country Club, and was a longtime owner at Lake Montonia where the family enjoyed the best of life together with friends.

Survivors include son, Charles Troy "Chuck" Carpenter III and wife, Ellen, and their sons, Troy and Sam of Norfolk VA, and their daughter Katie of Charlottesville VA; daughter, Laura Carpenter Bingham and husband, Warren, of Raleigh and Blowing Rock, NC; sister, Dorcus Carpenter Plonk, a host of nieces and nephews, for whom he was a beloved uncle. He was predeceased by siblings, Carolyn Dilling and Meek Carpenter, and by family members for whom he cared through his life. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, May 31, 2016 1:00 P.M., at Central United Methodist Church, followed by interment with military honors at Mountain Rest Cemetery. Memorials can be made to Central Methodist Church, 113 South Piedmont Avenue, Kings Mountain, NC 28086, or KM Historical Museum, 100 E. Mountain Street, 28086.