Ronnie was born in Jackson, MS on September 17th, 1936, to C.P. and Gertrude Carroll. He attended Central High School where he was a two-year varsity starter in football, receiving Honorable Mention as a senior for the Big 8 Mississippi All-Star team. While at Central, Ronnie also competed in track and field where he went on to hold the state record in the shot put for many years.
Following high school, Ronnie received a full football scholarship to play for the LSU Tigers. Ronnie transferred to Hinds Community College after one year at LSU to pursue track and field as well as spend more time outdoors. During his time at Hinds, Ronnie met Betty; they were married on May 28th, 1958.
Ronnie finished his collegiate career at Oklahoma State University where he received another full athletic scholarship. After receiving his degree in Forestry, Ronnie and Betty moved to Brookhaven, MS. where they welcomed the birth of their first child. While in Brookhaven, Ronnie worked as an area forester.
Ronnie returned to Jackson where he started Carroll’s Nursery and Landscape in 1965. For 46 years, Ronnie and Betty built and ran the company together. When Betty finally retired, Ronnie ran the company for two more years before passing it on to two of his sons, Ron and Brad.
The passion Ronnie had for the outdoors and his family was obvious to all who knew him. When the two were brought together at their family Farm, Ronnie’s joy was at its fullest.
Ronnie was a member of Broadmoor Baptist Church and is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 60 years, Betty Thornton Carroll. Their unfailing commitment to one another was rivaled only by their commitment to family, teaching all who knew them how to love and serve.
Ronnie is also remembered and immensely loved by his three sons, one daughter, their spouses and their children, all of Madison, MS:
· Ronald Neal Carroll Jr. and wife Susanne; sons Neal and Trey
· Jon Rodgers Carroll and wife Vicki; son Blake (Heather), and daughter Kelsey
· Brad Edward Carroll and wife Allison; daughters Katie and Amy
· Kimberly Ann Carroll Kelly; son Baye, daughters Jordan and Karson
The family will receive friends for visitation on Sunday, August 26th, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Parkway Funeral Home located at 1161 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, MS 39157. A memorial service will be held following visitation at 3:00 p.m.
Memorial gifts may be made in Ronnie’s name to Broadmoor Baptist Church or the American Heart Association.
The family would like to thank all the friends who impacted and shaped Ronnie’s life. Though he will be deeply missed, thanks be to God for blessing us all with the opportunity to know and love Ronnie Carroll.
