Carlton Lee “Big Papa” Argoe, a retired social worker and former agriculture consultant, from Richmond, Virginia, passed peacefully into his heavenly reward on November 1, 2021 at the age of 75, following a brief but courageous battle with lymphoma. Throughout his short illness, Carlton was never without his wife or one of his children by his side.
Carlton is survived by his loving bride of 52 years, Barbara Argoe; his children Janice Ezzell (David), Judson Argoe (Nerissia), and Patricia Nieves (Antonio); and his beloved grandchildren Luke, Sadie, Eli, Noah, Rome, and Hazel Grace. Carlton also leaves behind his brother, Roger “Skip” Argoe; sister, Dorothy Argoe; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends. Carlton was preceded in death by his father, Carl Hampton Argoe; his mother, Sadie Buff Argoe; and his siblings, Paul David Argoe and Patricia Faith Johnson.
Carlton was born in Tampa, Florida on February 27, 1946 to Carl and Sadie Argoe. He attended Evangel College in Springfield, Missouri and later graduated from East Tennessee State University with a Bachelors of Social Work. Carlton worked as an engineer for the state of Florida, as an agricultural and dairy consultant for ASCS and Georgia DHIA, and later as a social worker for Chesterfield County DSS and District 19 CSB. He was a member of Victory Tabernacle Church of God of Midlothian, Virginia, and a former member of West End Assembly of God of Henrico, Virginia for 26 years.
Carlton had a gift for figuring things out on his own. He designed and built buildings with his own hands, even into his seventies. He was a talented woodworker and carpenter, producing exquisite furniture for his family. Carlton once owned a small apiary and greatly enjoyed being a beekeeper. He farmed, cooked, gardened, and could repair or build just about anything, all without formal training.
It was at Evangel College that Carlton met the love of his life, Barb. He knew immediately that she was the one for him and he proposed on their third date; eventually, Barb said “yes” to his proposal. After a three week engagement, the two were wed on January 16, 1969 and they remained together for the rest of his life. Carlton and Barb had four children, three living and one who passed away in pregnancy; they gained two more sons and another daughter as their children were married; they later were overjoyed to welcome six beloved grandchildren into their family. Carlton’s grandchildren were the light of his life.
Carlton had two great loves in his life, Jesus and his family. Carlton loved the church and doing missions work, and instilled a deep love of the gospel into his family. He had a special connection to and love for the missions organization Gospel For India. Carlton treasured his time spent in India working with the orphans and lepers; he quickly became known as American Papa to all of the children in the GFI orphanage. Carlton adored his family. He was a faithful husband to his beautiful wife, a godly father to his children, and a devoted and very involved Papa to his six precious grandchildren. His grandchildren considered Big Papa to be their best friend, and by them he will be greatly missed. Carlton was very proud to have all of his grandchildren actively involved in their respective churches. When leaving his grandchildren after a visit, Papa loved to say his farewells with, “I’ll see you in Heaven!”
The family will welcome guests at the viewing on Friday, November 19, 2021 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Victory Tabernacle Church of God, 11700 Genito Road, Midlothian, Virginia. A homegoing celebration for Carlton is planned for Saturday, November 20, 2021 at 11:00 am at Victory Tabernacle Church of God, with a reception to follow. A private burial will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Carlton’s honor to:
Gospel For India
11307 Wimberly Drive
Henrico, Virginia 23238
(804) 244-0187
[email protected]
