Funeral services for Michael Joe "M.J." Carpenter of McCarley were held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11, in the Oliver Funeral Home Chapel, with a private family committal following the service. The Rev. Lanny Haley officiated the services. Pallbearers were Robert McCrary, Cody McCrary, Wayne McCrary, Reece McCrary, Charles McCrary, and Jim Howard. Honorary pallbearers were Robert Tate, Norman Mitchell, and George Weaver.
Michael Joe "M. J." Carpenter, 76, passed away on Friday, March 7, 2025, at Diversicare of Eupora. He was born in Grenada on December 12, 1948, to Wallie Reid and Bertine Casiday Carpenter. He was a retried logging contractor, having worked for Memphis Hardwood Flooring for 37 years. He, along with his wife, founded the popular local restaurant in McCarley, McAnerneys. He was a simple man who loved his family. He was a member of McCarley Baptist Church.
He is survived by three sons, Matt Carpenter (Paige) of McCarley, James Carpenter (Kadi) of McCarley, and Michael Carpenter Jr. (Angela) of Carrollton; grandson, Preston Carpenter; sister, Debbie Blaylock (Neal) of McCarley; brother, Wallie Reid Carpenter Jr. (Barbara) of Birmingham, Ala.; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Pamela McCrary Carpenter.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to McCarley Baptist Church Children’s Fund, P.O. Box 125, McCarley, MS 38943.
Oliver Funeral Home of Winona handled the arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.ofhwinona.com
