John Chester Carpenter, 82, of Hixson, Tenn., formerly of Inverness, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, at Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga, Tenn.
Born June 8, 1942, in Greenwood, to Alice Leona Boyd and Kerryn Clark Carpenter Sr., John grew up in Inverness and graduated from Inverness High School. He went on to earn a degree in business from MDJC and furthered his education at the Ole Miss banking school. In 1966, John married his beloved wife, Judy Green, and together they made their home in Inverness until relocating to Chattanooga, Tenn., in 1995.
John was a man of many talents and passions. His career spanned a variety of roles, including office management at Columbia Gulf Transmission, assistant vice president at The Bank of Inverness, and positions in sales management with the United States Chamber of Commerce. He also worked in the automobile industry, where he gained experience in sales, management, and ownership. After moving to Tennessee, John transitioned to managing propane facilities from 1996-2005 before becoming a successful real estate broker with GMAC Real Estate and Prudential Real Estate from 2005 to 2012.
A dedicated community member, John gave generously of his time and energy. He was involved with the Lions Club in Inverness, served with the Inverness Volunteer Fire Department, and held the role of alderman for the Town of Inverness for 14 years. His faith was also an important part of his life, as John served as a deacon at both Beulah Baptist Church in Inverness and The Gathering Baptist Church, formerly Memorial Baptist, in Hixson, Tenn.
John found great joy in boating and fishing, a hobby that allowed him to connect with nature and spend peaceful moments with family and friends. He also loved to watch his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in whatever sport they were involved in. He was a NASCAR fan and enjoyed watching the Tennessee Vols. and Ole Miss football. He enjoyed traveling with Judy to new destinations and in the later years his favorite pastime was their nightly card games.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Kerryn Clark Carpenter Sr. and Alice Leona Boyd Carpenter; his son, David Clark Carpenter; and his brothers, Kerryn “K.C.” Carpenter Jr. and Robert Adams Carpenter.
John is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Judy Green Carpenter of Hixson, Tenn.; two daughters, Tammie Carpenter of Hixson, Tenn., and Elizabeth (Brooks) Ford of Varnell, Ga.; his granddaughter, Jessica Elizabeth Lyons, and great-grandson, Zeke Johnson, of Hixson, Tenn., and granddaughter, Jordan Scott Lyons (fiancé Robby Bidelman), great-granddaughters, Summer and Eva Bidelman, and great-grandson, Aden Bidelman, all of Ooltewah, Tenn.; sister-in-law, Julia Russell Carpenter, of Madison; nephews, Clark (Gayden) Carpenter of Madison, Mike (Sue) Green of Tallahassee, Fla., Randy (Laura) Wells of Starkville, Bill (Jennifer) Green of Los Angeles, and Greg (Janette) Ford of Louisville, Ky.; nieces, Robin (Eric) Francke of Mabelton, Ga., Bonnie (Keith) Farrar of Tupelo, Lisa (Blake) Higginbotham of Dermott, Ark., Darlene (David) Herndon of Sneeds, Fla., Linda (Chris) Ajhar of Tallahassee, Fla., and Sherry (Greg) Burns of LaGrange, Ga.; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.
Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, March 1, at Burton Funeral Home in Indianola. Graveside services will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Southside Cemetery in Inverness. Burton Funeral Home of Indianola has been entrusted with the arrangements. A memorial service will also be held at a later date at The Gathering in Hixson, Tenn.
John's life was one of service, love, and dedication to his family, faith, and community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Donations in his memory may be made to The Union Gospel Mission Chattanooga Outreach, Inc. or to any charity of your choice.
