Danny Eugene Carroll was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed him to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, he possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. He had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and he was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Danny always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Danny was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.
His parents were Frank Carroll, and Pat Carroll Emmons. Danny was raised in Cleveland, Texas. Always able to express himself well, Danny possessed strong interpersonal skills. He was optimistic in his outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in his communication. Armed with a great wit, Danny was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.
Blessed with a balanced attitude, Danny was able to relate well with others. His occasional role as family mediator gave him the opportunity to ease tense situations when they occurred. Danny was raised with four siblings. He had an older sister, Jackie; younger sister, Virginia; two younger brothers, James and Mark. Danny had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return.
As a young child, Danny showed his creative ability in many ways. He was outgoing and animated. Danny enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. He took part in baseball, basketball, and track. He was a Boy Scout and a member of the 4-H. In his spare time he liked sports and hunting.
Known to others as a focused, logical, open-minded and somewhat driven individual, Danny was able to utilize these qualities to succeed in high school. His curious nature was spurred by his ability to maximize his personal learning style through employing a hands-on approach. He was good with facts and had an excellent memory. He graduated from Cleveland High School in 1968. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was history. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Mrs. Bentley. Danny held the track record for the half mile and went to the state meet. He was also voted most popular in high school.
Friends and acquaintances found Danny an easy man to get to know, and those close to him would often praise his open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Danny was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, which allowed him to accept people for what they were. While growing up, some of his best friends were Donald Bounds, Danny Stanfield, Walter Dishman, and Paul Petropolis. Later in life, he became friends with Bob McKee, Charlie Ogle, Phil Nall, and Donnie Morton.
On December 30, 1968 Danny exchanged wedding vows with Martha Frances Rogers at the First Baptist Church of Lufkin, Texas. Danny was attentive to Martha's feelings, and he charmed Martha and others with his gift for being able to give freely and generously. A good listener with an engaging personality, Danny was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to the relationship.
Very much like a kid himself, Danny identified with the inquisitive and creative side of his children’s personalities. He was able to direct his energy and spontaneity towards helping his children acquire added common sense skills. Danny was blessed with two children, one daughter, Tammy and one son, Brian. They were also blessed with two grandchildren, Hannah and Emma.
Danny was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around him. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Danny’s strengths included being able to think on his feet. He could be a leader who sought impact for his decisions. Gifted with an incredible ability to read body language, Danny was able to positively manipulate situations and motivate others in order to get a task completed. He was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Danny could multi-task, and he was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing him to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in his work environment. His primary occupation was Operations NCO in the Army National Guard. He was employed for a total of twenty-two years in the military. During college years, he worked at the University of Tennessee Plant Science Farm. He later worked in construction before going back to the military.
Danny was an Army veteran. Danny was a cool thinker who could handle himself well in a crisis. He was in the Air Force from 1968 to 1972 and stationed in Selma, Alabama at Craig Air Force Base. In 1987, he joined the Army National Guard in Knoxville, Tennessee with the 278th Chemical Company in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Danny saw action for one year during Operation Iraqi Freedon (2004-2005). He achieved the rank of Sargeant First Class. He received several awards including a Army Achievement Award, Army Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Global War on Terrotism Service Medal,and Iraq Campaign Medal. He showed leadership qualities and could make tough decisions when he was called upon to do so.
Danny enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. He had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that he did. He put this creativity toward all of his pastimes. His favorite pursuits were fishing, hunting, and playing pool. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.
Because he liked to take risks, Danny was a perfect match for athletics and exercise. He was enthusiastic and confident about these activities. In high school, Danny played basketball, and track. Recreational sports included bowling, golf, and pool. Danny was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football, and basketball.
Danny was a gifted problem solver who worked hard to help accomplish group goals. This skill made him a wonderful asset to the various groups and organizations to which he belonged. Always matter-of-fact about what needed to be done, Danny worked steadily to meet any organization’s goals. In high school, Danny was a member of the drama club.
Travel and vacations were experiences that Danny truly enjoyed. He preferred to seek out excitement wherever he went and he was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back with an atmosphere of “live and let live.” He was willing to leave his plans open and flexible, just in case something more interesting came along. Favorite vacations included a cruise to the Western Carribean, and a trip to Las Vegas.
Danny was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Danny’s favorites was Pepper, a teacup poodle. They were best friends for twelve years. His family was rounded out by his dog, Buster.
When Danny’s retirement finally came in 2006, he was well prepared. He used logical analysis of his retirement options in order to ensure his retirement would be fulfilling. Still, he was able to easily adapt to possible changes and enjoyed just having fun and being relaxed. His new life involved staying in Knoxville, Tennessee. In retirement, he found new pleasure in playing in pool tournaments, hunting and fishing.
Danny passed away on August 22, 2010 at home in Knoxville, Tennessee. Danny fought a brave battle against cancer. He is survived by his wife, Martha; children Tammy and Brian; grandchildren Hannah, and Emma; mother Pat; two sisters Jackie and Virginia and two brothers Mark and James. Services were held at Weaver Funeral Home. Danny was cremated and his cremains will be spread over his favorite fishing hole.
Danny was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A concrete communicator, he relied on his senses to increase his involvement and awareness of others. He was always able to provide amusing repartee to his friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes and stories. If Danny had a theme song written about him, it might well have been “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” He enjoyed his life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember Danny Eugene Carroll.
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