Stephen Carpenter, 70, of Lillington, North Carolina passed away on Friday, October 6th, 2017, at Duke University Medical Center after a long battle with cancer.

The memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at Crossroads Church in Lillington where Steve was an active member of the church. Reverend Ken Dalton of Crossroads Church will be officiating. The family will receive friends at the church following the service.

Steve was born in Jackson County, North Carolina on January 31, 1947. He served as an Army Medic in the military for 6 years. He attended Clemson University where he obtained his undergraduate degree in Sociology and a Masters Degree from University of South Carolina to become a Rehabilitation Counselor. He was self-employed. His favorite hobby was martial arts where he was a certified trainer in multiple areas including Tai Chi. He had a fourth-degree black belt in Aikido. Steve was well loved by his family and friends.

Steve is survived by his wife, Dixie Carpenter, of Lillington, N.C.; brothers Larry Carpenter and Keith Carpenter; daughters Courtney Travis and Kady Esparza; his grandchildren Bradley Travis, Josh Travis, Loryn Travis, Matthew Payne, Abigail Payne and Will Payne.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Duke Cancer Center, 20 Duke Medicine Cir, Durham, NC 27710.