Luther was born in Meridian, Mississippi, on February 20, 1929, to the late Aubrey Lavelle Sr. and Sarah George Carpenter. He graduated from Meridian High School where he was in the marching band. He then went into the United States Air Force followed by service in the Air Force Reserve. Settling in Chattanooga, Luther worked for Southern Railroad/Norfolk Southern as an electrician and supervisor for 39 years before retiring to enjoy his grandchildren, camping, playing music and singing, and involvement in church activities and choir. He was a member of St. Mark United Methodist Church and then St. Luke United Methodist Church for many years. He was a 50 year member of the East Lake Masonic Lodge # 698 F&AM.
Luther was preceded in death by Nell, his beloved wife of 67 years, his parents, two brothers, and one sister.
He is survived by his three children Alyese (Eugene) Baker of Ooltewah, Bill (Susan) Carpenter of Tullahoma, Theresa (Larry) Flippo of Sale Creek; eight grandchildren James (Joy) Baker, Laura Beth Baker, Ashley (Derek) Reneer, Hannah (Michael) Lynch, Will (Allison) Carpenter, Clint (Misty) Carpenter, Barret (Cortney) Griffy, and Ally Griffy; seven great-grandchildren Matthew Cartwright, Betty Baker, Seth and Colin Lynch, Audrey and Wesley Carpenter, Carter Carpenter, and soon-to-be-born Sawyer Griffy. He is also survived by his sister Gloria Prince of Sacramento, CA, two sisters-in-law Carol Carpenter and Pearl Carpenter, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations in Mr. Carpenter’s memory to the St. Luke Methodist Church, 3210 Social Circle, Chattanooga, TN 37415, to the music program, where Luther was very active in the choir for many years.
The family would like to express sincere appreciation to Dr. Brittany Dedmon of Physicians At Home Primary Care, Kindred Hospice, and Dominion Senior Living, for their loving care.
The family will receive friends from 10 am until 11 am on Friday, July 17, at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.
A Celebration of Life Service for Luther will follow at 11 am on Friday at the North Chapel with his Pastor Evelyn Harris officiating. Burial will follow at Chattanooga Memorial Park. You may watch the service live by joining us at https://www.facebook.com/chattanooganorthchapel/
We respectfully request that "social distancing", wearing masks, and all CDC measures be adhered to at the funeral home and at the cemetery.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
