Walter Whitson Carlen

Walter Whitson Carlen, born in Cookeville, Tennessee, on June 4, 1937, passed away peacefully at home on August 25, 2022. He was the son of the late William Benton Carlen, Sr. and Frances Loucinda Whitson Carlen. Affectionately known as “Walter Whitson,” “Walt,” or “The Big Chief,” he was deeply loved by his family and numerous lifelong friends. Walter was a loving husband and father with a quick smile, an encouraging word for those whom he encountered, and a witty disposition. He was a lifelong member of the Jefferson Avenue Church of Christ and possessed a deep faith in the Lord. Walter graduated from Culver Military Academy in 1955, attended Vanderbilt University where he was a member of the football team, and graduated from Tennessee Tech University in 1959 when he also joined his father in the family business, Carlen Chevrolet. Walter played an active role in the Cookeville community by serving on numerous boards and assisting multiple service organizations. He married his precious Linda on March 21, 1964, and dedicated himself to the well-being and happiness of her and his children. Outside of being known as a tough but fair business negotiator, Walter was an avid sportsman and game hunter; he played competitive golf and tennis, coached youth football, and ardently deer hunted. Throughout his life, Walter strove to be an example to others of how to love freely with true compassion for everyone, which is his ultimate legacy. In addition to his parents, Walter was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Linda Puckett Carlen; his older brother, William Benton Carlen, Jr.; his older sister, Frances Jereldine Carlen Long; and his brothers-in-law, Dr. Jerry Edwin Puckett and Wendell Jackson Long. He is survived by his son, Walter Whitson Carlen, Jr.; daughter, Frances Malinda Carlen Little and son-in-law, James Ford Little; grandchildren, James Ford Little, Jr. and Carlen Frances Little; sister-in-law, Katherine Smith Puckett; nephews, Wendell Jackson Long, Jr. and William Benton Carlen, III; nieces, Loucinda Long McLean, Catherine Carlen Johnson, and Linda Crafton Carlen, as well as many other beloved nephews, nieces, and cousins. His family is deeply grateful for all of the loving care and devotion Walter received from his support team and caregivers: Rhonda Fisher, Diane Shaver, Lisa Bilbrey, Melissa Holder, and Alma Rodriguez. Pallbearers will be James Ford Little, Jr.; William Benton Carlen, III; William Benton Carlen, IV; Henry DeWitt Puckett; Dr. Robert Witherspoon Lowe, III; Dr. Whitson Lowe; and John Powell Lowe. Honorary Pallbearers include Robert Witherspoon Lowe, Jr.; Wendell Jackson Long, Jr.; James Fearon Brown; David Carlen Maddux; Walter Hill Carlen; L. A. Allen; Dr. Phillip Bertram; Jack Borden, Jr.; Watson Brown; Dr. Walter Everett Derryberry; Charles Willard Johnson; James Wallace Mackie; Martin Luke Medley, Jr.; and all of his beloved "sons and daughters” at Carlen Chevrolet. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Tennessee Technological University Foundation to the attention of the William Benton and Fanalou Whitson Carlen Scholarship, P.O. Box 1915, Cookeville, TN 38505. A graveside service will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, September 3 at Cookeville City Cemetery. Buddy Johnson will officiate. Hooper, Huddleston, and Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111 Share your condolences at www.hhhfunerals.com.