Thomas J. Carroll Sr.

Tom was born to Charles and Irene Carroll on Christmas Day December 25, 1920 in Chicago, Illinois. After losing his father at an early age, Tom took on many family responsibilities and has always been good in an emergency. He always had a wonderful voice and loved singing the old songs. After graduating as class president from St. Patrick’s High School in 1938 Tom served in the Army Air Force as a radar navigator during World War II. Along with his brother, Chuck, he participated in the Air Offensive-Europe. At one point he had to bail out over Yugoslavia and walk his way out at night guided by partisans. The plane, piloted by Captain Smart, made it back safely but on its next foray the same plane was shot down and all of the new crew on board were lost. Tom remained in close contact over the years with many men in his outfit. He served in the Air Force Reserves for 20 years retiring with the rank of colonel. Tom graduated with honors from the University of Florida Law School in 1949. Upon graduation he clerked for the Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court and later became the Chief Justice of Industrial Claims for the State of Florida, retiring after over 20 years of service.

Survivors include Evelyn Doyle Carroll, his spouse of 65 years; his children, Linda Carroll Spath of Kensington, CA, Thomas J. Carroll Jr. of Duluth, GA, Pat Carroll Frye of Tallahassee, FL and James M. Carroll of St. Augustine, FL. He is also survived by 6 wonderful grandchildren, Ian Spath, Kathlyn Carroll, Christina Carroll, Elizabeth Carroll, Casey Frye and Sean Frye.

A viewing will be held Friday from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home, 700 Timberlane Road in Tallahassee. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday at 11:00 AM at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church at 624 Miccosukee Road in Tallahassee with a reception to follow in the Church Hall. Tom’s burial service will follow the Church reception at approximately 2:00 PM at Culley’s MeadowWood Memorial Park 700 Timberlane Road in Tallahassee. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church or to the Alzheimer’s Project 301 E. Tharpe St. 32303.

Arrangements are under the direction of Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home in Tallahassee, Florida.