Charles James Carpenter was born on February 26, 1947 in Dancy, Alabama. He was the first of three children born to the union of Charlie Earl and Fannie Mae (Seay) Carpenter. The family relocated to Centreville (Fireworks Station), Illinois in the early 1950's where his formative years were shaped by his passion for music. He also loved to dance. It was during his high school years that he met Phyllis (Newell) Carpenter. They later got married and moved to Chicago. Two sons were born to this union. He worked at several Chicago companies, including the Nabisco Company.

Later in life, Charles moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he married Gwendolyn (Scott) Carpenter. One daughter was born to this union.

After a serious illness, Charles returned home to this area, where he remained until his death on November 8, 2022. He is preceded in death by both parents, sons, Charles Jr. and Lorenzo McFee Carpenter and nephew Antione Carpenter.

Charles will forever be missed by many, including daughters, Kanesha Carpenter (Chicago) and Dartanya Carpenter (Houston, TX); sons Cornell Carpenter (Chicago), Kevin Puckett (Houston, TX), Steven Carpenter (Stone Mountain, GA), Christopher Carpenter (Milwaukee, WI); stepchildren
James and LaShawnda Scott (Houston, TX); grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother, Sammie Carpenter (Chicago); sister, Mary Tibbs-Jackson (East St. Louis); nieces, Deneen (Billy) Rawls (Chicago), LaShunda (Kelvin) Tate (Florissant, MO) and Christine Carpenter (Atlanta, GA); nephews, Terrale (Cahokia) and Ricardo Tibbs (Belleville); dedicated companion, Brenda Sanders and family; caregiver, Tanya Sanders; spiritual
and emotional support team, Frances McFee, Kathy Jones, Denise Puckett, Debbie Jenkins, and a host of cousins and friends.