Fredrick Daniel Carlton

Known to most as Preacher Fred, some of us were blessed to call him husband, Daddy, or Papa. But how do you summarize the life of a man who impacted so many people and who left us with more wonderful memories than we can count?

I could write about his life growing up. I could write about his service for our country in the United States Navy. I could write about his education. I could list the churches he has pastored, and the men who surrendered to preach under him. I could list the family members he loved more than life itself.

What I can’t list is the number of revivals he has preached in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and more. I can’t list the number of people who accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior under his preaching. I can’t list the number of sermons he preached. I can’t list the number of people whose lives were impacted by him. I can’t do any of these and more because we will never know the impact he had on countless lives- it’s too great! And those are his biggest accomplishments! If he were here right now, he would humbly tell you it was a privilege and honor to serve the Lord.

Preacher Fred:

During the time of his revivals, he was known as the preacher who wore cowboy boots and drove a motorcycle. During his time as a pastor, his congregation knew when he held up his hand while singing the words “Love Lifted Me” they were to hold the note until he lowered his hand. His members knew if he raised his leg while he was preaching that the sermon was just getting good. He preached his last sermon on Sunday, June 29th at Turrentine Baptist Church. And while he had to sit to preach during the last few months, he still preached with passion and conviction. He wanted to preach until God called him home, and that is exactly what God allowed him to do.

Husband:

He saw to my every need. He was the most generous man I have ever known. He was the love of my life.

~Jean Carlton, Wife

Daddy:

Friday night dates and riding in the buggy at Kmart and Roses. Motorcycle rides to Cherokee, NC every summer to stay at “a pool with a hotel,” as I used to say. Visiting nursing homes and hospitals with him.

~Jennifer Kampfe, Daughter

Bass fishing; riding my motorcycle with Dad and Preacher Danny Shore and visiting church members from Edgewood with them; his fire and brimstone preaching in his younger days.

~Mike Carlton, Son

Papa:

Riding down to the beach in Papa’s truck while having conversations about all kinds of things. Being regaled with his memories and stories of his younger years and his time in South Carolina.

~Carlton Kampfe; Grandson

A steadfast, consistent man, with a delightful sense of humor. There are cherished memories I will always hold dearly. Like him always telling me, “Nothing good happens after midnight Sarah Grace.” When he baptized me at 14 years old. His long theological talks with Jeff on the couch over Thanksgiving holiday. My first driving lesson in the ’96 Honda Accord in the church parking lot. How he was a part of the officiating of my wedding. His love for God and others.

~Sarah Garner, Granddaughter

Learning to shoot in his backyard, and of course our phenomenal motorcycle trip down to the Outer Banks for my birthday and our enthusiastic rush back for Madelyn’s birth.

~Nathan Kampfe, Grandson

Watching him sit in his special La-Z-Boy watching boxing, and for being his “Lula-Bell.”

~Laura Lehman, Granddaughter

I will remember all the good times growing up. Like the first time I ever rode on the back of a motorcycle that summer many years ago in Conway.

~Daniel Lambert, Grandson

A funeral service for Fredrick will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel at Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home in Statesville. The family will receive friends following service.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared with the family at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the care of Mr. Carlton and his family.