Written Thursday, January 12, 2012
I know you have heard by now that Nan’s brother, Earl, died suddenly this morning. He had fallen off of the roof of his house shortly after Christmas while trying to repair a TV antenna. He was badly broken up and had a ruptured spleen and bladder. They had operated on him twice and then moved him this past Tuesday to a rehab facility. He seemed to be improving slowly. We are not sure of the cause of death, but they feel at this point that he had a blood clot that worked loose and went to his heart or lungs causing his sudden demise. It was a gut-wrenching, shocking text that I received from Nan on Thursday morning during a break from my Board meetings in Orlando telling me he had died. He was 70 years old and has served the Lord faithfully most of his life. I know that tonight he is enjoying the perfect rest and peace that only heaven can provide.
Each of you is always faithful to manifest your caring heart in situations such as this. Thank you for your condolences. I appreciate each of you and others praying. It means everything. This is a crushing blow to Nan and her family and to me as well. Earl was the one who stepped up to the plate and became the father figure to Nan and the rest of the family after her daddy died when she was 19 years old. He was a wonderful Christian and a loving brother-in-law. He had worked hard during his life as a farmer, but he had also worked smart and was financially comfortable. He was one of the most generous givers I have ever personally known. He served for years as a deacon, a Sunday school teacher, and also served on the Falcon Children’s Home Board. He was a true pastor’s friend and his current pastor, A.D. Leonard said to me today when we talked, “I have lost a comrade!”
He has left a great vacuum and I shall miss him very much. Continue to pray for the family. He leaves behind a younger brother, Collin Hale; his sister, Nan Carpenter; his wife, Jean Hale; two daughters, Tracy Miller and Sylvia Dickens; two son-in-laws, Chris Miller and Jeff Dickens; and three granddaughters, Lindsey, Ashley, Kaley.
Hockaday Funeral Home in Roanoke Rapids will be in charge of the services. Their address is: (#507; Hwy 158; Roanoke Rapids, N.C. 27870; Phone 252-537-6144). It appears at this time that they will receive friends Saturday night and the funeral will be Sunday afternoon. God is faithful and his mercies are fresh every day. We are leaning heavily upon Him!
I especially request that you do not try to interrupt your schedule and attend this funeral. We feel your love for us and know that you are praying . You are our extended family and we sense the strength that we are drawing from our close relationship with each of you. I release you from any sense of responsibility to attend. Please respect my request in this regard.
We will be back in town Tuesday night. I will be present for the Day of Prayer at the GMC. We love each of you dearly and covet your continued prayers!
Your friends,
Ronald & Nan Carpenter
Posted on
Sat, January 14, 2012
by Hugh Morgan