HAROLD CARPENTER

Surrounded by his loving family, Harold Carpenter passed away peacefully on December 1, 2022.  Harold was born June 28, 1937 in Brantley, Alabama.  He was a 1955 graduate of Walton High School and then became a Florida State University alumni.  He married his beloved wife, Hilda, in 1959, and spent his life ardently serving his family and his community.

A glimpse of his countless contributions to the Walton County area includes:

- a combined 37 years of service to the State of Florida Department of Transportation and Florida Department of Forestry (Fire Division)

- City of DeFuniak Springs auxiliary Police Officer

- City of DeFuniak Springs Volunteer Firefighter

- Owner/Operator of DeFuniak Wholesale Company

- Owner of H&M Hotdog Stand

- Founding member and officer of the Walton County Saddle Club

- City of DeFuniak Springs elected official – 7 years as a City Councilman and 8 years as Mayor

In 2010, as mayor, Harold was honored with the prestigious Northwest Florida League of Cities Municipal Official of the Year award.  As noted in a press release from the City Manager, “this award is to recognize and honor a local elected official…who has made a lasting contribution to the citizens of Northwest Florida through (his) efforts and dedication in the performance of (his) duties.”  Mayor Carpenter was rightfully recognized for his limitless leadership and diligent dedication to advancing Walton County.

Mr. Carpenter was also dedicated to his church, First Baptist Church of DeFuniak Springs, where he served as a trustee, a deacon, and a member of multiple committees, including the welcoming committee, pregnancy support center team, and the stewardship committee.

He is survived by his cherished wife of 62 years, Hilda Carpenter of Freeport, Florida, and his children, Mac Carpenter (Betty) of DeFuniak Springs, Lyn Owens (Clyde) of Niceville, Gwyn Hanks (Tom) of Freeport, and Angie Dickey (Tracey) of Freeport.  He is also survived by one sister, Griselda Weeks, five grandchildren, Landon Hanks (McKenzie) of Freeport, Marc Keene (Jessica) of Jacksonville, Tara Carpenter of DeFuniak Springs, Mac Carpenter (Alli) of Baltimore, Maryland, and McKenzie Dickey of Tampa, seven great-grandchildren, Chloe Hanks, Kyla Hanks, Sawyer Hanks, Sutton Hanks, Emma Keene, Finnley Keene, and Isaac Farris, and numerous nieces and nephews.

While Harold will be greatly missed by his family and by his community, his legacy will live on for many years to come.

Visitation for Mr. Harold Carpenter will be Sunday, December 4, at First Baptist Church DeFuniak Springs at 1:00PM.    Funeral Service at First Baptist Church will begin at 2:00PM with a graveside service immediately following at Magnolia Cemetery.