George E Carkeet

George Etra Carkeet, 92, of Lubbock, Texas, passed away following complications from a stroke on January 16, 2026. He was born on May 18, 1933, in Lufkin, Texas, to George Eisle Carkeet Jr. and Anna Mae (Barington) Carkeet. George lived a life marked by deep faith, devotion to family, and a lifelong commitment to serving others.

George was a graduate of Reagan High School in Houston. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from East Texas Baptist University in Marshall, Texas, in 1954, and later completed his Master of Divinity at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. In 1955, he married Rena Key, and together they answered a shared calling to ministry. They served at First Baptist Church in Simms, Texas, where their first daughter, Betty, was born, and later at First Baptist Church in Leary, Texas, where their second daughter, Billie, was born.

In 1961, George and Rena moved to First Baptist Church in Greenwood, Louisiana, where they served faithfully for 19 years. During this time, in 1963, George and First Baptist Church of Greenwood helped launch an organization dedicated to recruiting volunteers to build churches, known as Builders For Christ. This ministry led to the construction of numerous churches across the United States and Canada and continues today under the name Volunteer Christian Builders.

In 1981, George moved to Lubbock, Texas, where he worked at Caprock Business Forms for the next 20 years. While in Lubbock, he met Nancy Phillips, and they were married in 1987. Together, they raised her two daughters, Lori and Amy. George and Nancy were members of Southcrest Baptist Church in Lubbock and also served at Center Community Church for 21 years. He taught many home Bible studies and Sunday School classes at Bacon Heights Baptist Church and Southcrest Baptist Church. His last day of service in a church was on December 10, 2017, at Center Community Church.

Outside of his work and ministry, George found great joy in the outdoors. He loved camping and traveling to National Parks, especially the Grand Canyon, which he hiked an impressive 17 times.

George leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and love. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; his sister, Betty Joe Sanders; his daughters, Betty A. Banks (Bill, deceased) and Billie M. Byrd (Jeff); his stepdaughters, Lori R. Franco (Jerry) and Amy G. LeGate (Jason); his grandchildren, Josh Byrd (Angela), Jared Byrd (Stacey), Morgan Byrd Scott (Caleb, deceased), Jacob Franco, Lauren Franco, and Jackson LeGate; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by

his parents; one sister, Charlotte Ann Carkeet Hume and one brother, John Edward Carkeet.

George devoted his life to building the Church—both in people and in places. Having faithfully answered God’s call through decades of ministry and service, he has now laid down his earthly work and entered into eternal rest in the presence of the Lord he loved and served.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to your favorite charity.

As a family, we are grateful to The Porch Swing Assisted Living Home and Grayce Hospice staff for the loving care that they graciously provided him and our family during his last days.