of Little Rock, AR
April 28, 1939 - December 3, 2023
Tommy Carpenter, 84, of Little Rock went to be with the Lord December 3, 2023. He was born April 28, 1939 in Paris, Arkansas to Eddie and Dana Carpenter. He graduated High School from Fort Smith High School in 1957. He received his undergraduate degree from Central Bible Institute in Springfield, Missouri in 1961. He received his Masters and Doctorate of Ministry from Central Christian Seminary in 1998.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Eddie and Dana Carpenter; his spouse of 50 years, Nelma (Runyon) Carpenter and grandson, Tommy Aaron Buck Carpenter. Tommy is survived by his wife, Jane Carpenter; daughter, Dana Harden (Marty) of Patterson, Louisiana; sons, Thomas Carpenter (Angelia) of Springfield, Missouri; Ched Carpenter (Leah) of Pleasant Plains, Arkansas; grandchildren, Brandon Harden (JayCee), Raigan Harden Perez (Luis), Austin Harden, Keatyn Harden, Jenel Carpenter Nesbitt (Evan), Alexa Carpenter Pope (Michael), Isabella Carpenter, Chase Carpenter, Campbell Grace Carpenter; as well as 10 great grandchildren. He was also a father, grandfather and great grandfather to Jane's family.
Tommy Carpenter lived his life with singular purpose: To serve the Lord with all of his heart and bring glory to God. He was a pastor of Assembly of God churches in Arkansas (Salem, Searcy Faith, Marianna, Batesville, Camden Cullendale, Jonesboro and Pangburn). He served as a missionary to Belize when he was in his 20's and returned again when he was in his 70's. He served the Arkansas District of the Assemblies of God as an Executive Presbyter, Assistant CE director, General Presbyter, Missions Director and Secretary/Treasurer. He was a professor of theology at Belize Assembly of God Bible Institute. He traveled the country and around the world preaching everywhere he went. He is considered by many to be their spiritual father. He was known as Poppa Tom to hundreds of spiritual children and grandchildren.
His accomplishments and accolades are too numerous to name here. He said that the thing he was most proud of was that his children were saved and serving the Lord.
In lieu of flowers, the family has set up a Tommy Carpenter Memorial Fund. All money will be put towards a Dorm and Bible Classroom for at risk youth in Belize Central America.
Donations can be mailed to Pleasant Plains First Assembly of God C/O Tommy Carpenter Memorial Fund, PO Box 224, Pleasant Plains, Arkansas 72568,
Cash App to $1AGPP or online here: https://tithe.ly/give?c=1289758
Visitation will be held from 4-8 pm Friday, December 8, 2023 at Benton First Assembly of God Church. Funeral services 10 am Saturday morning, December 9, 2023 at the Benton First Assembly of God Church. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Paris, Arkansas.
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7 Condolence(s)
Brooksyne Weber
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
Four months have passed since Tommy's promotion to glory but he continues to be very present in our memories. He seemed larger than life in his joy, his enthusiasm, his love for others, his zeal in preaching the gospel and his generosity in giving to the work of Christ. He was an excellent story teller that would captivate one or a room full of people to the very end. We met Tommy a good number of years ago at Gospel Publishing House. we were so pleased when he came to visit us here in Lancaster County, PA and sang in our church while he was visiting the northeast. What a voice!! He came for a second visit a year later and the day after he left for home in Little Rock the Lord called Nelma home to glory. Years passed and the Lord brought another godly woman, Jane, into his life that shared his vision and passion for Christ. How tremendously blessed we are that God favored us by giving us a friend like Tommy. And how neat it was when I learned that Tommy was good friends with my relatives at Mountain Top (Batson) where I spent many summers visiting with my grandparents, aunts , uncles and cousins. What a small world! I look forward to the reunion awaiting us in heaven when we meet up with the faithful saints like Tommy. We continue to pray for Jane and for Tommy's family as his absence surely leaves a big hold in their hearts.
Linda
Thursday, December 14, 2023
No words can express how sorry I am about the loss of Uncle Tommy. ( I know he isn’t really my uncle… but that is what we called him.)
For those who don’t know me, Uncle Tommy and his family were missionaries with us in Belize. Before they arrived dad was building a church and he desperately needed help. It was wonderful when God sent the Carpenters! Dad was so grateful. They worked tirelessly and were on a mission to win souls for Jesus!
God sent them just in time. Dad was so overwhelmed and extremely overworked. I can remember when he walked in the door..absolutely exhausted.
God had a plan!
There were times when both of our families would travel to see the churches and the progress being made. We traveled through the countryside and had many wonderful experiences.
Uncle Tommy and Aunt Nelma gave me, my first baby sitting job! It was so much fun to watch Thomas, Dana Sue and my younger brother Tim….. it was my first paying job at 9 years old! I loved it and I felt pretty important!
We also had special snacks made by Aunt Nelma and mom. They were the best cooks! Those are precious memories and we were blessed to have your family join us. Our parents worked hard as a team and brought many to Jesus!
Uncle Tommy had so much love in his heart for God, family, church and friends. He loved to preach and sing about Jesus. He was a blessing to me and to everyone who knew him.
I’m praying for you all and I’m here if you need me! We will be reunited soon and together for eternity.
Love and hugs~~~ Your Sis
Linda Schirman
Jim Bennett
Friday, December 8, 2023
Brother Carpenter was a champion for missions. He was never too busy to talk about how we might get the gospel to the masses of unreached peoples. And he didn't just talk about it; he gave himself for it - even "returning" to the mission field at an age when many would prefer not to. And during all those years of pastoring, he kept missions at the top of the church's agenda. I guess I had a missions service in just about every church he pastored. He never said "no" - even if his schedule was full. When he was the District Missions Director, he always encouraged Arkansas missionaries. One time he visited us in Jordan - and just in the short time he was there - he offered words of encouragement and let us know that if he could help in any way, just let him know. Thank the Lord for all the ways he blessed so many lives; but especially the way he encouraged and promoted missions. My, how we will miss him! Condolences to all the family. (Missionary Jim Bennett)
Ken Partain
Thursday, December 7, 2023
A dear friend and helper for a large part of my life, always encouraging, so many good visits and great times together, best was when we went to Belize together, his first time to return since being a Missionary there. Will never forget a lady came to us on the street and ask “ are you Tommy Carpenter “ He said “ why yes “ and she began to tell him about her salvation as a young lady due to his help! That had been many years past! Thought he was going to shout on the street! His help with Missionaries we supported is what I attribute a lot of the success of our Church over the years! We were honored to support Bro. Carpenter on his return to Belize and also his children as Missionaries. A true man of God, loving, intelligent, helping, happy, serving, and a genuine friend. His rewards will be great! Our sympathy to his wonderful family! Ken and Ann Partain
Randy Smith
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Bro. Tommy was a mentor to our Missions Team at Searcy First Assembly. He always had a smile, a positive attitude even if things were not going smoothly. He will greatly be missed by all who knew him. God received a great Saint. Condolences to all his family and Church Family. See you later Brother.
Randy Smith
Stanley Hall
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Catherine and I were deeply saddned to hear of Brother Carpenter's passing. In the truest sense, he was a man of God who ministered to people from all walks of life, of different ages, and indeed in different cultures.
He was a great source of encouragement and guidance to me when I first applied for ministerial credentials, and later when Catherine and I became world missionaries. He will be sorely missed by a great many people, but leaves an extraordinary legacy of ministry - the full impact of which surely cannot be adequately measured this side of eternity. Catherine and I extend our heartfelt condolenses to the entire family. May God give you strength and peace in the days ahead.
Gary and Martha Ellsworth
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
We love and appreciate the Carpenter family. Sorry we will be in a Missions Meeting and will not be able to attend the service. Know that our love and prayers are with the family.