Ronald Anthony "Tony" Carroll

Ronald Anthony Carroll, known to most as Tony, was born September 11, 1949 in Odessa, Texas to Marjorie Laning Carroll and Clarence Orval Carroll. In 1954 the Carroll family relocated to Killeen where Tony was raised. Tony passed away January 28, 2022 surrounded by loved ones after a courageous battle with Huntington’s Disease.

Tony was baptized as a young boy at Memorial Baptist Church and later attended First Baptist Church in Killeen. Tony graduated from Killeen High School in 1968 where he played baseball and basketball. After graduation he attended Tarleton State University. Tony and his wife Wanda co-owned All American Pools in Killeen for 29 years before retiring in 2014.

Growing up Tony was incredibly active in 4H, FFA, basketball, and baseball. He had a particular love for all things outdoors which continued into his adult life. Tony also had a great love for the rodeo. He started roping at an early age on a “stick horse” and Shetland, then roping horses. His dad and Junior Bacon were big influences in his beginning years as a calf roper. Tony competed in calf roping and steer wrestling in the AJRA and later the PRCA. He retired from the rodeo circuit in the early 80’s. Tony was inducted into the Bell County Cowboy’s Hall of Fame in 2007.

Throughout his entire adult life Tony continued to enjoy a love for fishing, hunting, and sports, as well as golf, bowling, and dominoes. Tony always looked forward to supporting and watching all the kids in the family when they were playing sports or performing in plays. He loved spending time with family.

In 2012 Tony was diagnosed with Huntington’s Disease. From the beginning he fought the disease like he did everything in his life, full speed ahead, never giving up. He immediately began physical therapy which led him to discover a love for boxing at Title Boxing. He loved working with his trainer Barry Dunbar. The Title Boxing family always supported “Mr. Tony” and we will forever be grateful to them.

Tony found a new sense of purpose through being active in the Austin Chapter for Huntington’s Disease Society of America. He and his family always supported the annual Team Hope walks. Tony wanted to ensure that he did everything he could to support HDSA and research about Huntington’s Disease. He pledged to and successfully participated in a brain donation research program to benefit further research about the disease.

Tony approached the last chapter of his life with the same strength, determination, and courage that he always had in life and more. He died peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones.

Tony is preceded in death by his parents, Marjorie Laning Carroll and Clarence Orval Carroll, grandparents Elva Word Laning Becknell and Gomer William Laning, Willie Francis Becknell, Clarence C. Carroll and Alma Matlock Carroll, Mother-in-law and Father-in-law, Dollie and Edward Thornton.

Tony is survived by his wife, Wanda Thornton Carroll, daughter Shanna Carroll Brown and her husband Carl; grandson Tyler Brown; Aunt Jolene Cosper Laning, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Bonnie and Randy Brumagim, Don and Gail Thornton. Nephew, whom he viewed as a son, Michael Farris and his wife, Susy; niece Kyra Thornton Leal and her husband Mike; nephews Ryan Thornton and Chase Brumagim; cousins Suzanne, Mitzi, Terri, Kim, Cody, Charlotte, and James.

Tony’s family wishes to thank the outstanding team at Amedysis Hospice as well as Tender Mercies, and a special heartfelt thank you to his caregiver Lashae.

Those wishing to make a donation in Tony’s memory may do so to a charity of their choice or to HDSA, Team Hope Austin at https://south.hdsa.org/events/austin-team-hope-walk

There will be a visitation at noon on February 9, 2022 at Crawford Bowers Funeral Home, Killeen. A memorial for Tony will be February 9, 2022 at 1 PM at Live Oak Cemetery, Youngsport, TX. In case of inclement weather the service will be at the funeral home at 1pm.

Pallbearers: Michael Farris, Ryan Thornton, Don Thornton, Randy Brumaagim, Carl Brown, Danny Hayes and Honorary Pallbearer Pete Flack.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.crawfordbowersfuneralhome.com for the Carroll family.