Obituaries » Paul Ralph Carpenter
Paul Ralph Carpenter
Paul Ralph Carpenter, 55, of Lynchburg passed peacefully with family by his side, September 1, 2021.
Born in Flushing NY and raised in rural upstate NY along the Hudson River, Paul attended Coxsackie Athens High School (1984) and Clarkson University (1988), following his natural talents in all things electronics, all leading to a successful career in software engineering.
Paul eventually settled in Lynchburg VA, where he met his wife, Lisa. Within a loving home, they raised their children Zachary and Abigail. Paul could build or fix anything, starting with go-carts and model rockets in his childhood years, leading to more complicated toys into his “adulthood.” He loved boating on Smith Mountain Lake, where he spent many weekends with family and friends. He enjoyed relaxing on the beach along the North Carolina and Florida coasts, as well biking along the trails of Lynchburg with friends. He was a wizard in the kitchen, fixing up the best steaks as well as his famous “Three Cheese Grilled Cheese.” He was a loving, supportive, and doting husband for almost 18 years. As a father, he was an active supporter and cheerleader for all of his kids’ activities, including band, swimming, camping, and, of course, Lego League competitions. Anyone who knew him knew the pride he had for his family, as well his exact timing for the best stupid joke.
In addition to Lisa and their beautiful children, Paul is survived by his parents, Paul and Judy of North Charleston, SC, sister Nicole of Columbus OH, and brother Matthew (wife Laura) of Mt. Pleasant SC.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for contributions to your local chapter of the American Red Cross—matching in some small part the lives that Paul saved through his countless contributions.
The date for a memorial service for Paul will be provided to family and friends soon.
Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg is assisting the family.
The date for a memorial service for Paul will be provided to family and friends soon.
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I was blessed to work with Paul for several years at Flowserve. He was one of the kindest and funniest persons I knew. He adored his family and always put them first, I admired that. He was a good mentor and friend and I miss him greatly. My heart goes out to the family.
Posted by Patricia Petzing on September 13, 2021
So thankful for the opportunity to know Paul and to work with him for many years at IWT. He was a kind and loving person and he will be missed. My prayers and thoughts are with the family.
Posted by Sandy Lawrence on September 8, 2021
I worked with Paul many years ago at TRAX and Ericsson. He was a great colleague and friend. My deepest sympathies to his family.
Posted by Jane Brooks on September 8, 2021
It was always a pleasure to get to work with Paul. His intelligence, ability, and determination meant that things were done right. Even more, I looked forward to just talking with him about work or anything else. He made the day better for everyone around him.
Posted by Steve Selby on September 8, 2021
There are no words to describe the shock and sadness of Paul’s passing. He was a great guy. His family meant everything to him and he would do anything to make sure they were well taken care of. Paul was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was caring, respectful, funny, tech savvy, outgoing, a great cook, and the list goes on. I’m so very grateful for being able to call Paul my cousin. I will cherish being able to visit Paul, Lisa, Zach, and Abby twice this summer. Rest In Peace Paul. Our world is better because you were in it!
Posted by Tricia Myers on September 7, 2021
Our deepest sympathy to the whole family. A life lost to soon, leaving a loving family. May your memories provide you with comfort.
Posted by Jennifer A Adams & Jeff Agnolis on September 7, 2021
I had the pleasure of working with Paul many years ago at TRAX in Forest, VA and despite the brevity of that time and the many years that have since passed, my memories of the many laughs and good times spent are strong to this day. Paul was a good engineer, a fantastic friend and a wonderful man. My deepest condolences to his family and all whose lives he touched.
Posted by Matt Wicks on September 7, 2021
You couldn’t find a sweeter nicer guy than Paul (or bumbles as we called him in the fraternity). always smiling always pleasant and optimistic! my deepest condolences to the entire carpenter family. we lost him too soon.
Posted by Chris Jacobus on September 7, 2021
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