David Denson Carpenter, 80, passed away March 26, 2020 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. He was born November 15, 1939 in Lake Village, Arkansas. As he always said, “I’m from the GREAT state of Arkansas.” A broad cheeky smile spread across his face as the person fell silent.

A life-long love of sports began early. As a young child his parents took him to the St. Louis Cardinals baseball games. So, at Dumas High School, Dumas, Arkansas, he played Center on the football team, and was also Senior Class President. Hence, he avidly followed the Florida Gators and always cheered for any SEC team against an opponent. College football, basketball, and baseball; plus, the Rays monopolized TV viewing.

After graduating High School in 1957, he studied journalism at the University of Arkansas and left to become a reporter for the Jennings, LA newspaper. Later as a UPI reporter he followed Martin Luther King on the renowned March Across the MS. He was proud to have participated in this part of our history. In 1966 he came to Tarpon Springs, fell in love with it, and published the Tarpon Springs Leader. Later he also managed the Washington County Times, Chipley, FL and the Eudora Enterprise, Eudora, AR. While there in 1976, he endeavored to unite the black/white community. One winter an unusual amount of snow fell and snowmen were all over town. He took pictures and printed them in the paper from both sides of town-white and black. Many black citizens expressed their appreciation. He went on to work as a news editor at the Bradenton Herald and Tampa Tribune. After retiring from a newspaper career, he worked part-time in insurance.

With an intense and practical love of people, especially children, he reached out to encourage and support others with needs. He also delighted in teasing. Most of the nephews/nieces and great nephews/nieces’ teachers received nicknames and jokes flew back and forth. As a Christian, he extended this love to church friends at Trinity Church, Tarpon Springs, where he served as a board member (delighted to be chosen), Treasurer’s Assistant, security guy, greeter, and even Vacation Bible School. All of this reflected his love for God.

David is proceeded by his parents Mr. James Denson and Mrs. Lucille Rhode Carpenter. Also, he is survived by his wife of 48 years, Janice Self Carpenter, and three children,

Susan Rhode Carpenter, Jerusalem, Jonathan Beau Carpenter (Nancy), Monsey, NY, and Samuel Thomas Carpenter (Betty), Brazil. Ten grandchildren include Masha (Moshe), Zippora (Meir), and Michal (Yoni), James Denson (Kaylie), Eliezer (Penina), Aaron (Rachel), Miriam (Joseph), Israel Meir (Elky), Rachel, and Abraham. These grandchildren yielded, so far, seventeen great-grandchildren. Other survivors include numerous, fun loving and respected nephews/nieces, great nephews/nieces and great-great nephews/nieces.

A Celebration Memorial Service at Trinity Church will be announced later, Memoriam gifts may be made to Trinity Church, 1350 Eastlake Road, North, Tarpon Springs, Florida 34688.

Comments About David From Family And Friends:

He has a new body.

I never heard him raise his voice.

He gave you the bottom line.

He was always laughing.

I admired his positive attitude in life.

Dave was one of the kindest men on Earth.

God’s light always “shined” through him.