Thomas John Carpenter was born May 15, 1994 in Oxford, MS. It was an extra memorable day because he was born on his Pop Pop’s birthday. This gave them a special bond, and they shared many happy birthdays together.

Thomas spent his school years in Biloxi schools where he played the alto saxophone and proudly marched with the Indian Band. He graduated in 2012. He loved going on church mission trips. Thomas spent many fun years with his Boy Scout Troop 250. He camped many summers at Camp Tiak, but hated the bugs. After earning 42 merit badges, he achieved his goal of becoming an Eagle Scout in 2010. The Scout Law—A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. No better words could be used to describe Thomas.

Thomas went on to earn a degree in film from U.S.M. He worked at South Mississippi Regional Center in Long Beach where he thoroughly enjoyed interacting with his clients. That set him in motion to get his Bachelor’s degree from U.S.M. in social work in 2024. He traveled to Italy with a group of social work students and had the time of his life. He went on to further his education by getting his Master’s degree in social work in May of 2026. He loved being a part of the U.S.M. campus and living in Hattiesburg. Thomas strived to do his best to help children in his job with the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services as an investigator.

One of Thomas’s teachers once said, “Thomas is a man of few words.” He was typically a very quiet person until the topic of movies or gaming came up. Then he would be very animated in his discussions. He also had a great sense of humor. If he was asked what he was doing during the weekend, his response was most likely that he was going to a movie. He was the family movie critic and didn’t hesitate to give his opinion on movies of all genres. While a student at U.S.M., he worked at the Grand Theater and had many stories to tell. He once heard screaming in one of the theaters. Being alarmed, he ran in there only to find it was a group of young, enthusiastic Taylor Swift fans.

Thomas was an avid player of Dungeons and Dragons. He also traveled with his brother, Daniel, to numerous Comic Cons every year where he got photos and autographs from the likes of the voice actor of SpongeBob SquarePants to Stan Lee of Marvel Comics. He met so many new people along the way. His collections gave him much joy.

Thomas was a true lover of animals. If he saw a cat or dog, he was going to pet it. He would often talk about playing with Bean, an emotional support dog that is used by CPS to help the children they work with.

Thomas was an inspiration to others, especially his brother. Thomas was not afraid to try new things and go new places. He was always eager and looking forward to his next adventure. Thomas was the best son, brother, grandson, nephew, and friend you could have. He had a positive impact on everyone he was around.

Preceding Thomas in death were his grandfathers, John S. Lewis, Jr. (Pop Pop) and Thomas Lynn Carpenter, Sr.

He is survived by his parents, Mona and Tim McCaffrey, Tom and Michelle Carpenter; his brother, Daniel Carpenter; his stepsister, Elizabeth; his stepbrother, Aidan; grandmothers, Martha Lewis and Beth Carpenter; his great-aunt, Margaret Evans; his uncle, Wendell Lewis; his cousins, Zach Lewis and Samantha Adel; and other cousins, aunts, and uncles.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 1:30 PM until 3:00 PM, at Bayou View Baptist Church, 4709 Chamberlain Ave, Gulfport, MS. Funeral service will begin at 3:00 PM. Interment will be in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens following the service.  

Our family would be honored by donations in Thomas’s name to the Humane Society of South Mississippi, 2615 25th Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39501, or the Pine Burr Area Council, 1318 Hardy Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401. Donations can be designated for Camp Tiak.

Also, to honor Thomas’s memory, please pet a dog, be bold and try something new, go explore some place you’ve never been. Hug your loved ones and tell them you love them. Tomorrow is not promised.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Rd, Gulfport, MS, is honored to serve the family.