Raymond Allen Carpenter, 59, of Catawba, S.C., passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 4, 2020, at his home. 

Born in North Adams, Mass., on May 15,1960, he was the son of the late Raymond and Joanne (DeRose) Carpenter. He attended Hoosac Valley High School and enlisted in the U.S. Army for a short period of time. He worked for the former Arnold Print Works in North Adams, Mass. He was then employed by Waverly Fabric and relocated to South Carolina with the company in 1990. He later became a certified EMT in Rock Hill, S.C. At the time of his death, he was employed at Premier Machining Industries in Midland, N.C.

Raymond had a "do what makes you happy today, nobody is guaranteed a tomorrow" outlook on life. He will be remembered and loved for being kindhearted. He was an outdoor enthusiast who enjoyed kayaking and camping every chance he could. He was the founder of the Catawba Cruisers Paddling Club. He would give you the shirt off his back along with a sleeping bag, tent and kayak to match. His love for his family and his dogs, Jackson and Lily, was immeasurable. 

Raymond is survived by his daughters, Melissa Fortini and her husband Scott and Carrie Bourdon and her husband Jim, both of Florida, Mass.; his sons, Raymond Carpenter and his wife Monica and Cory Carpenter, both of Adams, Mass.; his two brothers, Scott Carpenter of Adams, Mass., and Timothy Carpenter and his wife Laurie of East Dennis, Mass.; six grandchildren, Sarah Fortini, Haley Bourdon, Dylan Bourdon, Ryan Carpenter, Jacob Carpenter and Ean Carpenter; as well as aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his brother, William Carpenter.

Funeral notice: Due to current restrictions, the family has requested funeral services and burial to be held for relatives and friends at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Raymond’s name to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), ASPCA Tributes, 520 8th Ave., 7th Floor, New York, NY 10018.