Robert William Carpenter

July 16, 1938 - June 19, 2019

Mr. Robert W. Carpenter was called home to heaven by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday night, June 19, 2019. In so many ways, the life and legacy of Bob’s love for God, his family, friends, God’s Word and his church will continue to live on for generations to come and throughout all eternity.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Joyce; his children Robert H. Carpenter (Suzanne), Jeffrey Carpenter, and Karen Cowley (George); grandchildren Trevor, Madison and Hannah Struble and Ivy Carpenter. Bob has numerous living siblings with sisters Janice Carpenter, Dorothy Cogswell, Margaret Carpenter and Gladys Sherrer, and one brother Stanley Carpenter. He also has an extensive number of nieces and nephews from all his siblings. He is predeceased in death by his mother Gladys Jones, father Richard Carpenter, sister Joanna Lindsey and brother Richard Carpenter.

Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend who always had a smile that would brighten up a room that was combined with his love for making people laugh and feel welcomed in his home. He also loved gardening and working around the yard and house.

Bob and Joyce are members of Kempsville Baptist Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia where they have been blessed to learn the truths of God’s Word from their faithful pastor and friend, Dr. Kelly Burris and his wife, Brenda.

Some of his passions were the depths of his love for and faith in Jesus as his personal Savior. Bob could read the Bible for hours and he was always passionate about spending time in church painting and working around the grounds landscaping with flowers.

Bob retired from the Norfolk and Portsmouth Belt Line Railroad after a very successful career. He was also a faithful deacon who loved serving God with great joy and gladness. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.

The family will be holding a visitation on Sunday afternoon, June 23rd from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Woodlawn Funeral Home in Norfolk, Virginia. Bob’s celebration of life service will be held at Kempsville Baptist Church at 12:00 noon on Monday, June 24th. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Norfolk.

The family would like to thank everyone for all their prayers and expressions of love and support during this time. May God bless you all with the peace of Jesus Christ!