10/01/2026
Kenneth Edward Carpenter
June 20, 1948 – September 25, 2026
Kenneth Edward Carpenter, 78, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2026, at his home in Lexington, South Carolina, surrounded by his loving family.
Kenneth was born on June 20, 1948, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, to Edward and Lucille Nobles Carpenter. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, infant Brenda Carpenter, Phyllis Jane Carpenter Cone and Judy Carpenter Joyner.
Kenneth shared 59 years of marriage with his devoted wife, Martha Susan Griffin Carpenter. Together, they built a beautiful life centered around family, hard work, laughter, commitment, and love.
Kenneth graduated in 1966 from Rocky Mount Senior High in Rocky Mount, NC and received his associate’s degree in accounting from Wilson Tech after high school graduation. He proudly attended every high school reunion, including the most recent gathering last year. In 1981, Kenneth moved his family from Rocky Mount to Columbia, South Carolina, where he established a successful career in sales. Known for his strong work ethic, outgoing personality, and ability to build lasting relationships, Kenneth became one of the region’s leading salesmen, first in the battery industry and later in commercial lighting. He took great pride in his profession and enjoyed a successful career that spanned more than 40 years.
Kenneth was a member of the Rocky Mount Jaycees, and he loved sharing many memories of the annual Haunted House they sponsored. He was active in the Rocky Mount Police Reserves for many years as well. He was also a proud member of the Columbia Masons Boyleston Lodge, an affiliation that reflected the values of fellowship, service, integrity, and commitment that were important throughout his life.
Those who knew Kenneth will remember him as a loving, kind, and genuinely funny man who was deeply devoted to his family. He had a wonderful way of making the people around him feel loved and remembered. It was rare for more than a day or two to pass without his children and grandchildren receiving a phone call or text message from him, often for no particular reason other than to say hello and “just check in.” Those simple calls and messages became one of the many ways Kenneth quietly showed his love, and they will be among the things his family misses most.
Kenneth understood that some of life’s greatest pleasures could be found in time spent with the people you love. He loved going to the beach, listening to his favorite beach music, and especially enjoyed cruising with Susan, their family, and dear friends. He enjoyed playing golf, sharing a great meal, watching his favorite classic movies, laughing with those around him, and simply being together with the people who mattered most.
Above all else, Kenneth was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was proud of his family and found tremendous joy in watching it grow through the years. His love was steady and constant - expressed through his presence, his humor, his encouragement, and those familiar calls and messages reminding everyone that he was thinking of them.
Kenneth is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Susan; his sons, Edward Scott Carpenter and wife Julie, and Roscoe Chad Carpenter and wife Lisa; his grandchildren, Zachary Carpenter and partner Samantha, Kaitlyn Black and husband Trevor, Christian Carpenter, Samantha Carpenter, Jack Dominick, Jacob Dominick, and Tucker Dominick; and his great-granddaughter, Riley Carpenter.
He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family members, his beloved dogs Maggie and Molly, and friends who will remember him with great affection.
Kenneth leaves behind much more than the accomplishments of a successful career. He leaves behind 59 years of marriage, a family who knew without question how deeply they were loved, countless shared meals, movies and vacations, days at the beach, cruises, rounds of golf, laughter, stories, and a lifetime of memories.
His family will miss his humor, his kindness, his voice on the other end of the phone, and those simple words, “what else is going on?” But the love behind those words will remain with them always. Kenneth’s life was one of devotion—to his wife, his family, his work, and the people he cared about. His presence will be deeply missed, but the love he gave so freely and the memories he created will continue to live on in the family he treasured most.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff at Heartsong Hospice, especially chaplain Princetta White and nurse Chris Lopes for the compassion and supportive care they gave to Kenneth and Susan in his final days.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home – Lexington Chapel, 503 North Lake Drive, Lexington, SC 29072, followed by visitation.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Kenneth’s honor to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at Memorial Giving, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/lexington-sc/kenneth-carpenter-13052711
