Samuel Gregory Carmichael

Samuel Gregory Carmichael, 81, entered the gates of heaven on Sunday June 17, 2018.  Greg as everyone called him was born on April 3, 1937 in Steinhatchee, Fl to parents Charles and Ada (Tompkins).  Greg was one of five boys who lost their mother during their childhood.  His Aunt Essie raised him in Tampa, Fl.  At the age of fourteen he worked for the Carnival grocery store as a bag boy and where he first met a girl named Frances D’Arpa.   As fate would have it, two years later Greg saw Frances again at the local skating ring which began their courtship.

Greg entered the United States Navy in 1955 and his last duty assignment and major command was VF-41, US NAS, Oceana, Virginia.   He continued his duty of service by working for The City of Tampa Fire Department’s Fire Station #1 located in downtown and Fire Station # 14 located in Palma Ceia where he was known as Sam and showed off his great cooking skills. But it was as a Plumber he spent most his working days, a skill mentored by his father-in-law Frank D’Arpa.

Loved by his three children Karen Marie, Frank David (Susan) and Terri Lynn (Michael).  Honored by six grandchildren Meredith, Trey, Christian, Kelly, Dane, Michael Clay.  Blessed by three great grand-children Jett, Skye, and John Harlan.

His home was his sanctuary and his yard bloomed with flowers he cared for which where the envy to anyone who passed by.  He loved dogs and cats and had a compassion for strays. He enjoyed collecting and fixing clocks. His knowledge of World and American History surpassed any expert in the field.  He loved the movies and possessed an uncanny ability to recall film titles, casted actors, and dates of release.  Greg was so funny and could deliver a joke with just the right timing and had a way with one liners that had everyone within ear’s distance falling over laughing.   Greg was a simple man who was happy with just a sandwich or Vienna sausages and crackers for lunch.

He was a man of a few words, but they were worth their weight in gold.   In tribute, his family will honor him by doing the same.

“Dad I got my love of sports from you”- Karen

“Dad gave me the gift of humor and taught me how to laugh in the face of adversity” -David

“Dad always inspired me by his kind and trusting nature”-Susan

“Your presence was always enough” -Terri

“Michael follow me, it is quieter in here” -Michael

“Grand Dad had a calm and humorous outlook on life which I really enjoyed being around”-Meredith

“Pappo you taught me to work hard and dream big”-Trey

“Grandpa taught me the quieter you are the more you can hear” -Christian

“Grandpa had silver in his hair and gold in his heart” -Kelly

“Pappo taught me don’t be who people want you to be but be yourself”- Dane

“Grandpa cats and Grandpa clocks”- Michael Clay

“He had kittens and lived next to the park”- Jett

“I remember that when we played with the punching balloon, tossing with each other” Skye-

“Visiting Pappo made me happy” Harlan-

A graveside service is scheduled for 11:00AM on Friday, June 22, 2018, at Florida National Cemetery located at 6502 SW 102nd Avenue, Bushnell, Florida, 33513.

The family requests that rather than sending flowers that a contribution be made in Mr. Carmichael’s name to Operation Toy Soldier (Operation Toy Soldier, P.O. Box 4122, Bay Pines, FL 33744).