Benny “Ben” Carpenter, affectionately known as “Boot,” passed away on October 12, 2026, at the age of 77. Originally from Knobel, Arkansas, Ben was one of 16 children. He married Janet Caby of St. Louis, Missouri, on March 27, 1967, and they shared 59 years of marriage. He loved her deeply, and even as his memory faded in recent years, his love and recognition of Janet never did. Together, they raised their two daughters in Lewisville, Arkansas, before moving to Baneberry, Tennessee, in 2016 to be closer to family.

Ben retired from Cooper Tire & Rubber Company in 2001. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting and fishing and could often be found working on a project or tinkering with something.

Ben’s greatest joy was his grandchildren, who knew him as “Papa.” He helped coach their sports teams, drove them wherever they needed to go, fixed their cars, made sure they never went without, and opened his home whenever they needed a place to stay. They always knew they could count on him.

Ben had a gentle spirit, a warm heart, and a wonderful sense of humor. He loved to joke around and had a remarkable gift for patience, always treating his family with kindness and understanding. He treated his sons-in-law like his own and never hesitated to help others, expecting nothing in return. Ben attended Nina Baptist Church, and his love for Jesus was evident in the way he lived.

Ben is survived by his loving wife, Janet Carpenter; his daughters, Jodie Brooks (Chad) and Cassandra Stephens (Greg); his grandchildren, Heather Wilson (Andrew), Stone Stephens (Emily), Hunter Leonard (Summer), Cody Stephens (Erin), and Lowe Stephens (fiancée, Jerikha); and his great-granddaughter, Emily Wilson.

He was preceded in death by his parents and several siblings.

Ben leaves behind a legacy of faith, kindness, and unwavering love for his family. His life was a quiet example of Christ’s love, measured not by what he had, but by what he gave to others.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Farrar Funeral Home in White Pine. The funeral service will begin at 12:00 p.m., with burial immediately following at White Pine Cemetery.