Thomas Glenn Carpenter

THOMAS GLENN CARPENTER, PhD February 27, 1926 – January 6, 2020 “Tom has slipped the surly bonds of Earth, And topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace, Where never lark, or even eagle flew, Put out his hand, and touched the face of God.” Paraphrased from John Gillespie McGee, Jr. Tom was born in Atlanta, GA to Lorita and Walker Carpenter. He completed his early education in Winston-Salem public schools, where he always said he had the most wonderful childhood. He excelled in athletics and earned a football scholarship to Georgia Tech. Tom served in the Navy from 1943-1946, returning to Georgia Tech to play football and complete his degree. One of his coaches left Georgia Tech for Baylor University in Texas and invited Tom to go with him. There he met his future wife, Oneida Pruette. They finished their undergraduate work and were married in 1948. Tom earned his PhD at the University of Florida in 1963, and from there his career began to escalate. In 1963 The State of Florida Legislature initiated a plan to make a community college education available, within driving distance, to every resident of Florida. In 1964 Tom joined the Administrative staff at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, and later that year was offered the position of Business Manager at the planned University of West Florida in Pensacola. By 1969 he was the Vice President for Administration and given the opportunity to be the founding President of a new school to be located in Jacksonville: the University of North Florida, where he served as President for 13 years. Tom was pleased to be honored by the title of President Emeritus by the Florida Board of Regents and ever grateful to the UNF students who petitioned the State Legislature and succeeded in naming their new library for him. In 1980 Tom took the position of President, at the University of Memphis where he attributed his success to the abilities and diligent efforts of a terrific staff. He was awarded another Emeritus designation when he retired in 1991. Tom was active in The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, serving as Chairman for 6 years and 1 year as President. Tom served on more Boards and Commissions in his life than can be imagined. Tom’s career successes were never overshadowed by his deep sense of humility and love of family. In 2000, after 52 years of marriage, Tom’s wife, Oneida “Nita” Pruette died. In 2002 Tom and Margaret “Pinky” Hayden were married and lived on their mountain top in Blowing Rock, NC. They enjoyed traveling and sharing time with their many friends and their families. In 2015 they moved to Arbor Acres where they met more wonderful friends and valued the care and amenities Arbor Acres offers. Tom was predeceased by his grandson, Elijah Carpenter Moore. He is survived by his wife, Pinky, one daughter, Debra Claire Carpenter of Spruce Pine, NC, and granddaughter Claire Robinson of NY, one son Thomas Glenn Carpenter Jr. (Lisa) of Memphis, TN, grandchildren Madison Thomas (Winstin), Shawn Spendlove (Brandy), Cara and Kamryn Carpenter, and great grandchildren Chanler, Charlie and Palmer. “Poppa Tom,” beloved by Pinky’s family, is survived by two sons, Zane Phipps (Laura) and Lane Phipps (Beth), grandchildren Austin Phipps (Carly), Dustin Phipps (Kayla), Reece Phipps (Karly), Tucker and Lucy Phipps, and great grandchildren Westin, Allie, Coltin, Josie and Jencie. A family memorial service for Dr. Carpenter will be held at a later date. You are invited to make a contribution to the Garden of Peace at Arbor Acres Retirement Community, 1244 Arbor Road, Winston-Salem NC 27104.