Billy Carroll

Billy Ray Carroll of Mansfield went home to sing with the angel band, Monday, November 7, 2011 after a short illness. He was 70 years old. Bill served the Lord nearly 50 years writing songs, singing, and playing his Martin guitar.

Twenty years ago, he formed the band “Family Tradition” with his special cousin and best friend, Mike Stevens. They traveled many miles to work for the Lord. Bill also found a little building on Belmont Avenue which became the Belmont Community Church and he was a proud member. He like to golf, play corn hole and really enjoyed clowning around with his family and friends. He always had a big smile for everyone he met.

Bill was born September 20, 1941 in Grahn, Kentucky to Ray and Cleo (Stevens) Carroll moving to Mansfield as a teenager. He retired from AK Steel after 32 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Lowell, James and infant brother, Willis Raymond Carroll. Surviving him is his devout wife of 48 years, Rose Mary (Maglott) Carroll; son, Bill (Megan) Carroll of Bellville; two daughters, Brenda (Glenn) Swank and Anita (Wayne) Maffett, both of Mansfield; five grandchildren whom he adored, Justin (Chrissy) Maffett, Zach (Jessi) McCormack, Adam (Carli) McCormack, Beth and Halee Carroll and their mother, Missy, all of Mansfield; six great-grandchildren, Jaylin, Jordan, Ava, Drayven, Bryson and Ariah; two special sisters, Mary “Sis” Mauk of Mansfield and Janet (Kevin) Baird of Chesapeake, VA; two special brothers, Larry (Cat) Carroll of Shiloh and Kenny (Virginia) Carroll of Berea, KY; many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, in-laws and friends who he loved.

Friends may visit from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, November 11, 2011 at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. A funeral service will be held Saturday at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home. His nephew, Jim Wright and Pastor Gary Lambert will conduct the service. Burial will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made in care of Belmont Community Church.