Ray Thornwell Carpenter, age 82, of Union Mills, N.C., died Tuesday, November 3, 2009, at His Daughter`s Home in Marion, N.C. He was an active member of Oak Springs Baptist Church. He was retired from Broyhill Industries, active with Habitat for Humanity, nad served on the board/ support team of Hudlow Fire Department . A native of Mitchell County, He was the son of the late Arby Carpenter and the late Dolly (Clark) Carpenter. He was first married to the late Betty Autrey Carpenter and the was married to the late Ernestine Burleson Carpenter for 32 years. He is survived by his Two Daughters, Kathy Carpenter Shuford of Marion, N.C. Sarah (Carpenter) Thomas of Rutherfordton, N.C. One Son, Michael Ray Carpenter of Rutherfordton, NC Six Step Children FiveSisters, Mary Moody of Banner Elk, N.C. Dorothy Peppers of Rhonda, N.C. Nellie May Fisher of Spruce Pine, N.C. Lucy Ledford of Rutherfordton, N.C. Martha Loftin of Spruce Pine, NC One Brother, Roby Carpenter of Newland, N.C. Four grandchildren One Great Grandchild on the way Numerous Step Grandchildren Arrangements are being handled by McMahan`s Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 249 South Main St., Rutherfordton, N.C., where the family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Friday, November 6, 2009. Funeral service will be at Oak Springs Baptist Church at 2:00 PM Saturday, November 7, 2009 , Rev. Don Hollifield officiating. The body will lie in state 30 minutes prior to the service in the church. Interment will be at Oak Springs Baptist Church Cemetery in Rutherfordton, N.C. The family will be at his daughter Kathy`s home in Marion and at Mr. Carpenter`s home in Union Mills. Online condolances www.mcmahansfuneralhome.com

McMahan''s Funeral Home & Cremation Services