On May 31, 2013 two brave men gave their lives trying to save two women from flood water. John 15:13-17 tells us “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit — fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.”
Above all else Cody Carpenter and Joel Campora lived out their appointing to love one another. Eight years later, on May 31st Southside Baptist Church was the gathering place for Cody’s friends and family to remember him. Four speakers shared personal stories, and expressed what a friend they had in Sheriff Carpenter. He truly lived out his call from John 15:17.
Yell County Sheriff’s Office presented the flags and performed a 21 gun salute. Deputy Doug Carpenter, Cody’s youngest son, works on their force and helped perform the tributes.
Bro. Mike Shaddon, and his son Jordan, discovered Cody’s body in the debris and destruction the record breaking water had left behind. Bro. Mike shared the story of victory for Cody, victory displayed by the posture of his body. Because of his faith in Jesus, and because he called upon the name of the Lord; Cody will enter the gates of Heaven. From his arms raised and his finger pointing up, it seems clear he made it home to his Savior that fateful day.
Billy Black worked as a deputy with Cody and shared about his experience doing so. Sheriff David White of Montgomery County shared how he and Cody made acquaintances and quickly became friends. Yell County Chief Deputy John Foster spoke on John 15 and shared his own stories of being friends with the late sheriff.
The family did a balloon release in memory of Cody, and plans to make the ceremony a yearly tradition. Though we all still miss sheriff Cody, Scott County is thankful to have had the joy of knowing him.
“We need to grieve the ones we’ve lost — not to sustain our connection to suffering, but to sustain our connection to love.” – Jennifer Williamson
