William Andrew Carpenter

William A. Carpenter was born December 25, 1941, in Newport, KY, to Nora Allen – Kimbrough, & William J. Carpenter.

William departed this life on October 22, 2025. His parents, one brother Carlton, one sister Barbara, a great grandson Brai’Lynn and great granddaughter, Khamoura, proceeded him in death

William was baptized at an early age, at Saint Paul AME church, in Newport, KY. He received his elementary school education at Southgate Elementary (a four-room schoolhouse in Newport’s Southgate Alley). He attended junior high school at Covington Lincoln Grant, and high school at the newly integrated Newport High school, where he graduated in 1959.

After receiving his military obligation notice from the Draft Board, William volunteered to join the service of his choice, the US Marine Corps, where he served from 1964 – 1967.  During his three years of service, he spent one year in Vietnam, fighting in the Vietnam War (1966 – 1967).  For his service to his country, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.  William received an Honorable Discharge from the military in 1967, and returned to Ohio with his young family, where he resumed his job at Railway Express. William also spent a short time working at General Motors, before applying as Christmas help at UPS (United Parcel Service), in 1968.

In 1969, he was recalled by UPS (United Parcel Service) and offered a fulltime opportunity to become a driver.  He worked as a driver for 13 months, his excellent leadership skills did not go unnoticed, and he was offered an opportunity to pursue a career in management. In February of 1972, he was promoted and sent off to the UPS School of Basic Training.  Seeking to advance and do well, William took on any and all job assignments. Armed with the knowledge, and proper training in all phases of UPS operations, his management career began with six months as a Customer Service Supervisor, before moving to Industrial Engineering where he spent one year understanding time studies, measurement, planning and implementation. Several months were also spent in Human Resources, teaching and learning safety, inside the workplace and on the road.

William’s success came from his own initiative, self- motivation, sacrifices, proper training as well as the trust and confidence that UPS had in him.

In 1987, William was honored as one of the Black Achievers of UPS. William was quoted as saying: “As an achieved Operations Manager, and Team Leader, I gave UPS more than 100% of my efforts for 27 years.”

In 1995 William was again approached by UPS, and offered the opportunity to relocate, William chose not to relocate, and like many of his colleagues, chose to retire instead. William was honored at the retirement ceremony for his hard work and dedication.

Additionally, William started his Masonic Career in November of 1971, when he was initiated into the Pride of Solomon Lodge #60 F.S.A.M.  He served as Worshipful Master, (1980 – 1981), and as the lodge secretary under several Worshipful Masters. William joined Sinai Temple #59 in 1972.

William was a man of very few words, who loved and cared deeply for his family.  He was the kind of man whose character spoke for him; his humor definitely left a lasting impression on anyone he met. Whenever you thanked him, for something he had done, his famous saying was “I did the best I could”.

In his younger years, William was an avid bowler, dabbled in photography, and even played the piano. He loved to travel, with his travel buddies (Donald & Jackie Cox) – his favorite vacation spot was Jamacia. He also loved fishing, with his fishing buddy, James “Jimmy” Jennings, and monthly visits to the casino with his wife.

Up until his health began to fail, he was an avid gardener, who had the best lawn on the block (it literally looked like carpet), and he was the envy of all his neighbors. He loved tinkering around the house on  different projects and could build almost anything. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandkids (watching movies was his favorite). Even in sickness his eyes would light up whenever one of the “grands” entered the room.

William was a true Marine, and fought right up until the very end, he never complained. As his days were getting shorter, his famous saying became, “I am still here”.

William leaves behind to cherish his memory: his wife Thelma J. Carpenter (Johnson), whom he met in 1961. They would have celebrated 61 years of marriage on December 26, 2025, children, Angela Harrison (Kavin), and Carlton Carpenter. Five grandchildren, Jovonne Hicks, Kevin Harrison (Heather), Kiara Harrison, Erica Fitzgerald (Marcus), and Jerin McIntosh-Kimber (Josh).

Five Great grandchildren, Khamauri Laskey (Antonia), Baylee Bass, Mia Fitzgerald, Josephine Kimber, Brixton Harrison, and one great-great granddaughter, Amira Williams. One brother, James Carpenter, one sister Ana Moon, one brother-in-law, Charles Burton, and one sister-in-law, Dolores Barnes. Along with a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of William Andrew Carpenter, please visit our Tribute Store.