Update: Experience magazine will feature a special tribute to Bishop Carpenter in our November / December issue. Our October issue includes the article below. 

Bishop Ronald W. Carpenter, Sr., passed away Thursday, September 20 following an extended battle with melanoma. He was 64 years old. 

Carpenter battled melanoma four times in the past 20 years. His most recent diagnosis came during his inaugural term as presiding bishop.

"There has not been a more passionate leader in the IPHC than Bishop Ronald Carpenter, Sr.," said Presiding Bishop Doug Beacham. "He had a heart of gold, which drew me and thousands of others to him. His heart and life were an open book. In his integrity there were never hidden agendas. I've often thought that Bishop Carpenter exemplified the description of Israel’s King David and Jesus’ observation about Nathaniel in the Gospel of John – a man after God's heart in whom there is no guile."

Carpenter was a native of Rocky Mount, N.C., where he was reared in the Pentecostal Holiness Church. He was converted and called into the ministry at 16 years old.

Carpenter served the IPHC for more than 35 years as a pastor, college professor, conference leader, and as a general executive. He was also an educated theologian and a highly sought-after speaker. In 2009, Carpenter was elected general superintendent and presiding bishop of the IPHC at the 26^th General Conference.

“My greatest desire for the IPHC is that it will make a significant difference in lives and in history,” said Carpenter in a previous interview.  “I want this church a hundred years from now to have left a legacy, tracks in the sand, impacted cities, changed communities, and transformed the atmosphere of America. I want this denomination to be a 21^st-century church that is relevant, dynamic and demonstrative.”

In July 2012, Bishop Carpenter resigned his post as general superintendent, citing health reasons and side effects from melanoma medication.

He is survived by his mother, Pauline Bissette Turner; his wife, Mrs. Nan Hale Carpenter; son, Ronald Carpenter, Jr.; daughter, Jewell (Carpenter) Wilson; five grandchildren, and one great-grandson.

“The IPHC global family mourns with Mrs. Nan Carpenter, their daughter Jewell, and son Ron Carpenter, Jr., and their families. But we also rejoice with them in knowing that Bishop Carpenter is fully alive and well in the presence of Jesus!” said Presiding Bishop Beacham. 

The funeral took place Tuesday, September 25 at Redemption World Outreach Center. To watch an archive of the service, go here. 

Bishop Ronald W. Carpenter's Obituary

Dr. Ronald Wayne Carpenter, Sr. of 204 Branchester Ct., Greenville, SC 29607, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 20, 2012.

Born May 16, 1948 to Joseph David and Pauline Carpenter. Surviving loved ones are his faithful wife, Nan Hale Carpenter, of 46 years. His son and daughter-in-law, Ron Carpenter Jr. and Hope Hilley Carpenter. His daughter and son-in-law, Jewel Carpenter Wilson and Bill Wilson. Mother, Pauline Bissett. Sister, Sheila Risley. Five grandchildren, Austin and Avery Wilson, Chase, Chaz and Chanlin Carpenter and one great grandson, Zayden Carpenter.

Ronnie answered the call to preach at 16 years old and has served the Lord by serving the International Pentecostal Holiness Church for 48 years in various forms of leadership from Pastor, College Professor, Upper South Carolina Conference Superintendent, Evangelism USA Director and lastly, presiding Bishop of the IPHC at the 26th General Conference. He will always be remembered for his humble spirit and giving nature. He was a strong leader yet a gentle man.

He was small in stature but a giant in the spirit. He will truly be missed by all that knew and loved him.

Visitation of Friends will be held Monday evening from 6:00-9:00 and the funeral service will be Tuesday at 2:00p.m. both at Redemption World Outreach Center, 635 Haywood Rd., Greenville, SC 29607. The family will gather at the Carpenter home.

Donations can be made in Dr. Carpenter's honor to: Redemption Ministerial Fellowship International (RMFI), 74 Byrdland Drive, Greenville, SC 29607, for the training of leaders and spreading the gospel of Jesus all over the world.

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