Roger Carpenter

Roger Gilmer Carpenter, age 78, of Galax, Virginia, passed away Monday August 24, 2026, doing what he loved most: playing golf.

Roger was born in Pulaski, Virginia, on December 23, 1947, to Gilmer Wilson and Amanda Primm Carpenter. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Barbara Jean Carpenter Jett, and a close lifelong friend from the Army Reserves, Bobby Greene of Wytheville.

Roger was a man of many talents and passions. In high school, he was an avid athlete who played nearly every sport offered at Hillsville High. That competitive spirit stayed with him throughout his life, especially in his deep love for golf. His passion for the game took him to courses around the world, including one of his favorite matches at historic Pebble Beach and a round with Sean Connery.

Roger, or "Rog" as some of his family called him, proudly served his country in the U.S. Army (where he always made time to keep up his basketball game) and later in the Army Reserves, where he made many of his closest friends.

A devoted family man, Roger treasured spending time with his family, his friends, and his dogs. Anyone close to him knew better than to mess with the family, or his fierce guard dog Evie (a teacup Yorkie) would have something to say about it. Evie passed away earlier this year and will be buried right beside him. Roger was famous for swearing, "I'll never get another dog," only to call the kids a few months later with a surprise announcement. His childhood stories were always full of colorful tales about his adventures with Rocky, Lil’ Bit, and the rest of the crew.

Roger never met a stranger. He had no problem giving his phone number to an acquaintance at dinner just to set up a tee time, and he never missed a chance to brag about his children and everything they were accomplishing. Once you got caught in a signature, never-ending "Roger story," you knew his whole life story by the time you walked away.

Most of all, Roger deeply loved his wife of 37 years, Phyllis. He was a familiar face at every office she ever worked in, regularly dropping by with lunch, flowers, or just stopping in to chat with her, the staff, and the doctors. Everyone who knew him has a favorite Roger moment.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Wright Carpenter of Galax; his daughter, Haley Morgan Carpenter, and son, Roger Tyler Carpenter, both of Washington, D.C.; his sister, Christine Carpenter Beck of Hillsville; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held Friday at 2:00 PM in the Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Sam Bartlett officiating. Burial will follow in Felts Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Funeral Home in Hillsville.