Farmer John’s
Farmer John: “Dad” was born on July 19, 1936, in the old hospital on Church Street in Laurinburg, North Carolina, as the middle child of three siblings. From a young age, he had a flair for mischief, enjoying playful pranks like putting nails under vehicle tires, much to his father’s chagrin. His passion for baseball ignited early, and at just 10 years old, he faced a harrowing incident when he fell off a farm truck running board and was run over by the back wheels. Despite fracturing his pelvis in four places, he displayed remarkable resilience and survived.
At 18, John confronted the heartbreaking loss of his father to a brain tumor, which thrust him into a pivotal role as the provider for his mother, aunt, and little brother. Thankfully, his brother William was there to lend a helping hand, having already mastered the skill of driving tractors by the age of 11.
In October 1966, fate led John to meet his future bride on a hayride. Henrietta Johnson was on a mission to find a farmer willing to provide a truck for a group of eighth graders. Although she initially placed John at the bottom of her list, destiny had other plans, as the other farmers were unavailable. John married Henrietta in January 1968, and together they brought four wonderful sons into the world: Jack (1969), Eddie (1970), David (1972), and Tim (1974). He instilled his love of baseball in his son Jack and grandson Duncan, creating a legacy. Even at 88 years old, Dad continues to drive out to the farm nearly every day, embodying unwavering spirit, humor, and a stubborn determination.
Henrietta’s
Henrietta “Mom” was born on March 25, 1936, on Trunk Street in Cleveland, Tennessee. An only child, she spent much of her childhood at her grandparents’ house in Bradley County, Tennessee. After losing her father at just 13 months old, her mother worked tirelessly to support the family. Fortunately, Mom had a first cousin, Ann, who became like a sister to her. Despite a challenging childhood, Mom discovered the power of reading, immersing herself in nearly every book in her high school library, with the Bible being her favorite. This instilled a profound belief system that guided her life.
After working diligently to pay for her education at the University of Tennessee, she attended the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. Graduating led her to become the director of Christian education at the First Baptist Church in Laurinburg, North Carolina, where fate smiled upon her when she met Farmer John on a hayride. That serendipitous meeting blossomed into four sons and over 56 years of marriage.
Throughout her career, Mom embraced various roles, all rooted in her passion for helping others. She served as a teacher, social worker, hospice chaplain, and preacher. At 54, she boldly became an ordained Presbyterian minister. Now, at 88, Mom inspires others by delivering sermons as a substitute preacher while cherishing every moment with her 13 grandchildren.
Grandpa’s
Grandpa John, a remarkable figure born on the farm in 1895, was the fifth of seven children. As the only male to survive into adulthood, he took on the responsibility of running the family farm at 19 after his father’s passing. Though he was a man of few words, his profound insights shone through during frequent gatherings with friends at Paylor’s bookstore, where they engaged in spirited discussions about the news of the day.
Outside the farm, John found joy in playing sandlot baseball as a teenager, embodying the spirit of community and camaraderie. His talents extended beyond agriculture; he provided custom work for neighboring farmers and operated service stations, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit. His exceptional mechanical skills were evident when he designed an early cotton stripper, years ahead of its time, demonstrating his innovative thinking.
In 1921, John married Esther Parks from Randolph County, North Carolina, building a life rich with family values. Together, they raised three children: Lois (born in 1927), John (born in 1936), and William (born in 1943). His legacy lives on as a testament to hard work, resilience, and the importance of community. John passed away in 1954, but the impact of his life continues to inspire those who hear his story.
Grandma’s
Grandma: Esther (Essie) Parks, known affectionately as Bua, was born in 1904, in Randolph County, North Carolina. As the oldest of three siblings, she grew up in the humble environment of her father’s sawmill, where she learned the values of resilience and hard work from an early age. In 1919, her father decided to move the family to Laurinburg, which opened new opportunities for Esther.
It was in Laurinburg that she met and married John Carmichael in 1921, beginning a journey filled with love and family. Together, they raised three wonderful children: Lois (born in 1927), John (born in 1936), and William (born in 1943). Esther had an unwavering quest for knowledge; she educated herself on various subjects, particularly grammar, demonstrating that learning truly is a lifelong endeavor.
In her later years, her adventurous spirit flourished as she traveled to beautiful destinations such as Hawaii, Mexico, and Canada. Through it all, she excelled at being a loving and devoted grandmother, though she was not hesitant to discipline with a firm pinch if anyone stepped out of line.
Aunt Hattie’s
Aunt Hattie was born on the farm in 1887. As the 3rd born of 7 children, she embodied strength and resilience. Though she never married, her heart remained open, especially after one of her friends married the only man she ever loved. She dedicated herself to the farm, tackling various chores and bringing her work ethic to the Eubanks store during the holidays. A serious lady, she instilled a sense of respect and integrity, even when her nieces playfully tied her toe to the bed while she slept. An encyclopedia of family history and the stories of neighbors and friends, Aunt Hattie cherished bringing the family together whenever possible. She left this world in 1972, but the legacy of her spirit endures in the hearts of those she touched.
Farm Dog
Sheila is the newest farm dog at Carmichael Farms, joining a legacy that spans over 225 years. Throughout our rich history, countless K9 companions have left their paw prints on our hearts. We celebrate and cherish all of our furry family members who have contributed to the spirit of our farm.
