Carl Newman Ettinger, IV

Carl Newman Ettinger, IV went home to be with his Savior on July 29, 2024, after courageously fighting leukemia for the last eighteen months. Carl was born in Phenix City, AL, grew up in Notasulga, and then lived in Opelika for many years. Carl was part of the inaugural class of the Alabama School of Math and Science, and went on to earn a degree in chemical engineering from Auburn University in 1998. He spent the majority of his professional career in computer systems management, which actually began as an eight year old when he received his first computer, a Sinclair ZX-81. Most recently, Carl served as a Sr. Systems Engineer for DoTerra International and the love, support and great flexibility they provided to Carl’s family throughout his illness was a tremendous blessing. 

He was a loving husband and a devoted father to his young children ages four, two, and four months. Carl delighted in teaching things to his children and spent many enjoyable hours helping them observe, learn, and figure things out. He believed children have a great capacity to learn and understand, and was overheard explaining to his newborns how air conditioning and light bulbs work in the delivery room. 

Carl was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Opelika and loved quietly assisting many fellow church members and friends with their technology needs. He was a gentle man who enjoyed developing close friendships and getting to know others. Carl was a life-long learner who viewed challenges as a welcome opportunity to learn and expand his knowledge. He loved photography and was delighted to capture several weddings and rehearsal dinners on camera for friends. Carl was proficient in swing dancing, participating as a skilled dancer in several annual Dancing Stars of East Alabama fundraising events. An expression of his generous spirit, he greatly enjoyed cooking and creating chef-worthy dishes and treats for friends and family! Carl had a profound love for the beauty of God’s creation and continually took time to appreciate and marvel at it.  

Carl is survived by his beloved wife Amelia Blessing Ettinger and their three children: daughters Katherine Joy and Clara Grace, and son Carl Ettinger V, along with his parents Carl and Josie Ettinger, brother Jonathan (Dana) Ettinger, and niece Nissley Ettinger. 

Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church of Opelika on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at 10:00 am, with a Celebration of Life service following at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to the First Baptist Church of Opelika Fellowship Fund for the Ettinger Children.