Carl William Valentine, Sr. passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, September 1, 2024. His beloved Gerry Aldridge of 34 years by his side.
He fought a short battle with lung cancer before leaving this earth. He was born in Chicago, IL to Carl and Estelle Placek Valentine on September 21, 1944.
Carl worked his whole career in excavation, demolition and trucking. He was considered a master craftsman with his ability to sculpt and design landscapes. Working in Illinois, Michigan and finally Kentucky, he was most satisfied while on a piece of machinery or boating whenever he could. He had many collections over the years. Making memories with all kinds of folks as he bought and sold. Trains, fishing gear, cars and even interesting knives caught his attention. Gerry and he traveled many miles together while in search of the next addition. He had a big personality that he was never shy about sharing and enjoyed telling fact filled and interesting stories we have all been lucky to hear. He was filled with pride of family and lives well lived. He was grateful to have had a good life and felt the greatest gift we all have been blessed with is family and good friends that feel like family.
Carl is survived by his life partner, Gerry Aldridge of Eddyville; sons, Carl W. (Aimee) Valentine of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, David A. (Dianna) Valentine of Williamsburg, VA; step-daughters, Elizabeth Aldridge Pessell of Plainwell, MI, Laura (Jeff) Mattioli of Augusta, MI; grandchildren, Carl W. (Whitney) Valentine V, Gabriel Valentine, Madeline Valentine, Megan Valentine, Aaron Valentine, Ethan Valentine, Sophia Mattioli and Ross Pessell; great-grandchildren, Waldyn Valentine, Wrennly Valentine, Wylder Valentine; niece, Lisa Magro.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Janice Magro.
Memorial visitation will be held Tuesday, September 3, 2024 from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm at Lakeland Funeral Home.
Memorial services will be held at 1:00 pm Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at Lakeland Funeral Home with Bro. David Terry officiating.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
