Cleon Leabert Carpenter, (Buddy), beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away on Monday, March 10, 2025, at the age of 93. He was born on February 2, 1932, and raised near Hopewell, Alabama. He lived most of his life in Birmingham before moving to Cullman.
Buddy, our Dad and Papa, will always be remembered for his fun-loving good nature, kindness, and his joy of living. He loved being with family and friends and sharing meals together. No matter how tough his days would be, he never complained, his usual response was, “I’m doing good for an old man.” He shared many fascinating tales of his years with the 3rd Infantry Division at Ft Stewart, performing with the military band, and playing the trombone in an Alabama jazz band.
He used some impressive photography and story-telling skills to the delight of his grandchildren to make fun videos of their plays or to play tricks on their parents. He worked as a head machinist at a family-owned machinery company as well as several other companies in the Birmingham area. He made the machines that made the machines. After he retired, he developed a love of gardening and watching old westerns on GRIT.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Hildred Carpenter, his mother Minnie Walls Creed, and his half-sister, Fredna Creed.
He is survived by his daughter, Patricia Reames (Sam) of Darien, GA, his sons Kenneth Carpenter (Dawn) of AL and Michael Carpenter, grandchildren Sarah Heilman(Chris) of Pittsburgh, PA, Cecelia Reames, Samuel Reames, IV, of Darien, GA, James Reames (Emily) of Idaho, Briggette Dunn (Chad) and Shaun Strickland of AL. His great- grandchildren are Evelyn, Asher, Joshua, and Matthew Heilman of Pittsburgh, PA, Odin Reames of Idaho, Baylee and Aubree Dunn, Kristian and Autumn Strickland of AL.
A graveside service, for family only, will be held at Highland Memorial Cemetery.
