Ralph Carpenter

Ralph W. Carpenter entered the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014, when his faith became sight. Born Sept. 9, 1929, to the late Thomas and Elsie Carpenter, Ralph was a lifelong resident of Ringgold, Ga. Ralph proudly worked for over 34 years for the Bell telephone system after getting his start with Ringgold Telephone Co. His tours of downtown Chattanooga and North Georgia were marked out by the many telephone installs he worked on; the telephone poles he had climbed but mostly by the friends and co-workers he enjoyed during his time working. After his retirement he stayed active in the Telephone Pioneers. Ralph lived his Christian faith as a Matthew 5:16 man, the Light of Christ always shining through him. He was an active member of New Bethel Baptist Church where he anchored the choir for many years as bass singer and with the well known New Bethel Quartet. He is now singing with the chorus of angels for his Lord. Ralph loved and was devoted to his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Norma; son, Meredith (Lynn) Carpenter, of Tunnel Hill; daughter, Glenda (John) Henegar, of Chattanooga; three grandchildren, David (Amy) Carpenter, of Ringgold, John Henegar III and Christopher Henegar, both of Chattanooga; five great-grandchildren; sister, Mildred Peters, of Ringgold; several nieces and nephews. The family acknowledges and thanks the many friends and care givers that assisted Ralph recently by showing him the love of Christ during these last days. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Don Self and Rev. Sam Dillard officiating. Interment in Anderson Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family encourages that memorial donations be made to New Bethel Baptist Church % Lawrence Self, 222 Cemetery St. Tunnel Hill, GA 30755 or Hospice of The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. today and after 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at Heritage Funeral Home, Battlefield Parkway.