Rolland "Rollie" Lee Carpenter

Rolland “Rollie” Lee Carpenter, a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War and longtime resident of Gresham, Oregon, passed away on June 14, 2023. He was surrounded by family with the song “Neon Moon” by Brooks & Dunn playing for his send-off. Rollie was born January 23, 1954, to Ellis Lee Carpenter and Olive Mae Carpenter in Mount Vernon Washington. Rollie attended Gresham High School before enlisting in the United States Navy in 1972. He achieved the rank of Seaman while serving on the USS Anchorage, receiving the National Defense Service Medal.

After serving in the military, Rollie returned to Gresham where he enjoyed fishing, water skiing, camping trips, and playing in local softball leagues. He met and married the love of his life, Tracie Rose in 1987. Together they welcomed their three children Casey Jordan, Gianna Lynn, and Lana Rose. Rollie accomplished the creation of his business R. L. Carpenter Trucking, which specialized in cargo carry, and eventually retired at Reynold’s Metal. Throughout these years, Rollie and his family remained active in the community with varsity and club sporting events, multi-family annual camping trips, and neighborhood barbecues. Rollie was known as the man who welcomed everyone into his home, especially those willing to watch the Raiders Football games, and Sunday Nascar races, and those able to share stories over a rack of Budweiser.

Rollie was preceded in death by his younger brother, Kip, and his parents. He is survived by his older brother, Mick, younger sister, Sheree, three children, and granddaughters, Chloe and Lauren Carpenter.

His family has organized a celebration of life which will be held at the Bateman Carroll Funeral Home on August 5, 2023, at 1:00 pm. A reception will follow at his home at 2726 SE Glacier Ave.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.batemancarrollfunerals.com for the Carpenter family.