Robert Edward Carpenter, 62, of Covington, Virginia, died Friday, March 25, 2011, at his residence.

He was the husband of Margaret Mitchell Carpenter.

He was born May 10, 1948, in Clifton Forge, the son of the late Joseph Hannah Carpenter Jr. and Betty Robinson Carpenter.

Mr. Carpenter was a direct descendant of the first settlers in what would become Covington in 1746.

He was a graduate of Covington High School, Class of 1966.

During his high school years, he was a member of the 1965 undefeated football team, point guard on the Blue Ridge District champion basketball team, third baseman and team leader of the baseball team in batting, with a .410 batting average. He was selected as a member of the first team, all-area baseball team.

"Ace," as he was referred to in high school, was president of the student council and very active in all school activities. After graduating from Covington High School he attended Wofford College and graduated with a bachelor's degree in sociology in 1970. Ace also played baseball at Wofford.

He received a master's degree in school administration from James Madison University in 1987.

During his years as an educator and administrator, he was a teacher and principal and dedicated his life to the betterment of our youth. He served as principal of Galax High School, Bath County High School, Natural Bridge High School and as an athletic director, assistant principal and principal in the Rockbridge County High School System.

Mr. Carpenter returned to his hometown in 2004 as director of human resources and program development with the Alleghany County School System. He was a member of the Virginia High School League executive board, Covington Lodge No. 610 of the Loyal Order of Moose, Clifton Forge Elks Club Lodge No. 1065, and the Greater Alleghany United Fund Board for seven years, serving as president for two years.

He was of the Episcopal faith.

In addition to his wife, Margaret Mitchell Carpenter, he is survived by one son, Robert Joseph Carpenter; one brother, Joseph Hannah Carpenter III and wife, Meriam; two nieces, Elizabeth Carpenter Cross and husband, Bill, of Roanoke, and Amy Fennell of Charleston S.C.; one nephew, Joseph H. Carpenter and wife, Lori, of Chesapeake; one great-niece, Katherine Anne Cross; two great-nephews, Joseph H. Carpenter V and Jacob Devin Carpenter. In addition to his parents, Joseph Hannah Carpenter Jr. and Betty Robinson Carpenter, he was preceded in death by one sister, Flora Virginia "Flo" Carpenter Coffman.

A memorial service was conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the chapel of Loving Funeral Home with James David Williams officiating.

Interment will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Honorary pallbearers were Bussie Moore, Bill Shafer, Temple Kessinger, Sam Morris, Butch Reid, Bill Mitchell, Jamie Talbott, Merle Johnson, Bill Thomas, Jay Coffman and Richard McElwee.

The family received friends Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Loving Funeral Home, and at other times at the residence.

The family suggests that memorials take the form of contributions to the Greater Alleghany United Fund P. O. Box 4 Covington, Va. 24426. To send condolences to the family online, visit www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com.