Clarence Carrington

David was raised in Paris, Texas and graduated from Paris High School. He obtained his associates degree in Business Administration from Paris Junior College before being drafted into the U.S. Army. While serving as a medical laboratory specialist, David was sent on tours in France, Italy and England.

David felt his call to preach and received his local license with the United Pentecostal Church International on February 20, 1956. While evangelizing across Texas, he met and fell in love with Gloria Johnston who soon became his wife. Over the next 54 years together, they had four children and dedicated their lives to ministering the gospel. They pastored in Grants, New Mexico, Levelland, Texas, and Dumas, Texas. Upon retirement, they moved to Copperas Cove, Texas, where he served as an elder in the church and ministered in multiple local churches.

Eight years after David and Gloria moved to Copperas Cove, Gloria passed away following her battle with Alzheimer’s. David continued in ministry and later developed a friendship with Mary Knight who later became more than just a companion, but also his wife.

During his years of ministry, he also worked as a substitute teacher in the Dumas and Copperas Cove public school systems. This was a source of great joy for David. He enjoyed investing his time and attention in the kids and helping them learn.

David was a hard worker…a workaholic, some would say. He was often found with a shovel or a hammer in his hand working on his or someone else’s projects. If he heard a fence was being built, he was there to help. In fact, as he lay in the hospital bed, one of his concerns was whether his son’s fence had ever been finished. One project that was close to his heart was the Texico District Campgrounds. Much blood, sweat, and tears were invested in building dorms, roofing and pouring cement.

David made the most of each moment of his 85 years. Whether tending to his garden, encouraging a younger minister, or befriending a neighbor, David gave his all. Out of his generous and loving heart often flowed much humor. Anyone that knew him came to expect a joke or a funny story. He leaves behind a legacy of love for truth, generosity and people. His mantra in life was to make it to Heaven and take as many people with him as he could.

Left to carry on his legacy are his wife Mary Carrington of Copperas Cove, Texas; children Teresa Hendrick and husband Donnie of Copperas Cove, Texas, Steve Carrington and wife Sheila of Farmington, New Mexico, Sheree Stover of Copperas Cove and Nathan Carrington and wife Rolonda of Amarillo, Texas; grandchildren Kela Tinoco and husband Jocsan, Kenny Hendrick and wife Keila, Brittany Carrington, Larissa Havens and husband Luke, Kaden and Austin Stover, Nataley, Hannah and Ramah Carrington; great grandchildren Isaac, Karissa and Addison Tinoco, Elijah, Corban, and Tucker Hendrick.

He was preceded in death by his wife Gloria (Johnston) Carrington, his parents Clarence and May Carrington, and his nine brothers and sisters.

Viewing will be at 9:00 AM on Wednesday, March 6, 2019, at the United Pentecostal Church, 1302 Pecan Cove Dr., in Copperas Cove. Funeral service to follow at 10:00 AM on Wednesday with his sons and grandsons officiating. He will be laid to rest at 9:00 AM on Thursday, March 7, 2019, at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, 11463 Hwy 195, in Killeen, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Copperas Cove United Pentecostal Church Special Project Fund.