He was preceded in death by his parents, James Luther Sr. and Lettie Carroll; sister, Billie Jones Alford; and brothers: Paul Carroll, James Luther Jr. Carroll, Ralph Carroll, and Jack Carroll. He was also preceded in death by his business partner and brother-in-law, Glen Greene of Carroll and Greene Real Estate Co.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Patsy Clayton Carroll; sons: David Carroll and John Carroll; daughter-in-law, Holli Carroll; grandsons: Ben and Jax Carroll of Mineral Bluff, Ga.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was the youngest child in the Carroll family, born in the family home on King Edward Avenue. He was a lifelong resident of Cleveland, attending Blythe Avenue School and graduating from Bradley High School in the class of 1949. He attended then Lee College and graduated from the University of Tennessee (Knoxville) School of Business.
He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. His life was an example of faithfulness and service to the Lord, his family, his church, and to the Cleveland community. “He held fast to the Word that was preached to him” (I Corinthians 15:2).
He was a charter member of the Cleveland Association of Realtors, and was an active Realtor and auctioneer for 53 years.
He was a member of North Cleveland Church of God and the Unity Class for 39 years. He served in various elected and appointed capacities throughout the duration of his professional life. He was finance commissioner for the city of Cleveland for 13 years, a member of the Cleveland City School Board for 25 years, and a member of the Pentecostal School of Theology board.
He was one of the founders and a member of the board of directors of First Citizens Bank; later he became a board member of the Cleveland BB&T. He was a faithful member of the Cleveland Rotary Club for 31 years, chairing the membership committee and recruiting many new members.
The funeral will be held today, Dec. 18, 2011, at 2 p.m. in the North Cleveland Church of God sanctuary. Pastor Mitch Maloney will be officiating and also involved in the service will be Cleveland Mayor Tom Rowland and Stephen Carroll. Music will be provided by Danny Murray.
Interment will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers include Lee Glover, Gary Greene, Scott Carroll, Jackie Carroll, Todd Carroll, Baron Carroll, Matthew Mundy and Ryan Mundy. Honorary pallbearers include the Unity Class of North Cleveland Church of God and the Rotary Club of Cleveland.
Memorials may be made to the Cleveland Rotary Foundation, P.O. Box 2561, Cleveland, TN, 37320, or the Bradley-Cleveland Public Education Foundation, P.O. Box 4354, Cleveland, TN, 37320.
Viewing and family visitation will be held at North Cleveland Church of God from 1 to 2 p.m. today, prior to the service.
Ralph Buckner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
