William Carpenter

William "Bill" Bernard Carpenter, a devoted family man and veteran of Madison Heights, passed away on February 21, 2023, at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak after medical complications following surgery. He was born on July 5, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan to proud parents Ralph and Orlene Carpenter. Bill's dedication to his family was evident from a young age when he started working at the family pharmacy, Carpenter Drug. With stories of even as a child, taking the responsibility of transporting money by wagon to the bank on Main Street. Bill graduated from Dondero High School in Royal Oak at the young age of 17, and immediately enlisted in the United States Army. After three years (or 2 years, 8 months, 4 days as he would recite if asked) of service, he joined the United States Postal Service as a clerk, where he worked until his retirement in 2003. During his tenure at the post office, Bill met "the love of his life", Gayle (Woltmann), whom he eventually married in an intimate ceremony surrounded by their family and friends in 1990. In 1994, Bill and Gayle welcomed their twin sons, Steven and Daniel, into the world. Bill was an active father who enjoyed being a "room dad" at St. Paul Lutheran School, and took great pride in supporting his sons' various activities from academics to robotics and everything in between. Bill was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church where he served as a member of the choir, 'head waterer' of the Garden Club (a title lovingly given by Gayle), and more. His love for the church and its community was evident in his participation in numerous activities. In 2013, Bill was diagnosed with brain cancer and fought a brave battle for 10 years. Despite the odds, Bill defied his diagnosis time and time again, earning the admiration of his doctors and many others who referred to him as a miracle & living a long time in remission. Bill will be deeply missed by his beloved wife of almost 33 years, Gayle, his two sons, Steven (Rachel Johnstone) and Daniel, his sisters Carole Hanson, Barbara (Malcolm) Martin, and Margie (late Ralph) Carpenter, Nancy (Dale) Miller, brother-in-law Glenn (Rose) Pollard, sister-in-law Carol (late Ron) Woltmann, and many nieces and nephews who often referred to him as the "fun uncle" with his backyard pool, motorcycle, & wit. He will also be missed by his lap dog & rescued best friend- Scout Marie. He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Orlene, his siblings Dennis, Ralph, and Doris (Jim) Lappin, siblings-in-law Audrey (Chuck) Ehrke, Ron Woltmann, & mother-in-law Marion Woltmann. Bill's legacy of love and devotion to his family, his country, and his community will always be remembered by those whose lives he touched. A visitation for Bill will take place on Sunday, February 26, from 2:00 to 8:00 pm at Wm. Sullivan and Son Funeral Directors, 705 W. Eleven Mile Rd. (4 blks. E. of Woodward), Royal Oak, 48067. Bill will lie in state on Monday, February 27, from 10:00 am until time of funeral service at 11:00 am at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 202 East Fifth Street, Royal Oak, 48067. Interment at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly.

William Carpenter

July 5, 1948 - February 21, 2023