Thomas I. Carroll Sr.

Smithville – Thomas Irby Carroll, Sr., 85, died on Saturday, February 15, 2014, at North MS Medical Center, Tupelo. Born on May 9, 1928, in Walthall, he was a son of the late James Irby and Thelma Irene Kimbrell Carroll.

Mr. Carroll graduated from IAHS, Class of 1946; played basketball and baseball at Wood Junior College; received his Education degree with a Minor in Math from MSU; and received his Master’s in School Administration from MSU. He honorably served in the US Air Force during the Korean War, stationed at Kessler Air Force Base. On June 3, 1961, he married Andolyn Thompson. Mr. Carroll began his teaching career at Crowder High School. From 1954 – 1964, Mr. Carroll served as a Science, Math, and Driver’s Education teacher; coach; bus driver; and administrator at Smithville High School. He took great pride in naming the Seminoles, founding their school colors, and starting the current football and baseball programs. Mr. Carroll later worked as an appraiser for MDOT and retired as Postmaster from Smithville Post Office. Strong in his faith, he was a member of Smithville Baptist Church. An honorable and wonderful husband and dad, he enjoyed his family, especially his grandchildren; his years growing up in Walthall and Fulton; coaching; fixing things; horses; and woodworking in his shop. Mr. Carroll was an avid sports fan and a dedicated fan of Smithville School sports programs. He was a former Mason and School Board member.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Andolyn Thompson Carroll, Smithville; daughter, Jill Carroll Horne, Smithville; son, Dr. Thomas I. Carroll, Jr., (Jean-Marie), Amory; grandchildren, Thomas Mitchell “Mitch” Carroll, Amory and Kelby Carroll Horne, Smithville; several nieces and nephews; and caregivers, Darlene Fears, Mollie Bell Moore, and Verna Mae Standifer.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Pattijo Spencer, and her husband, Fred Spencer.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 4 PM, Monday, February 17 at E.E. Pickle Funeral Home with Bro. Wes White and Bro. Van Hudson officiating. Burial will follow in Young Memorial Garden. Pallbearers will be Jay Thomas, Jeff Thomas, Wes Steverson, Jason Heady, Jim Spencer, Frank LeFlore, Joe Morgan, Fiddle Wright, and Bill Steverson. Honorary pallbearers will be his former players and managers and NMMC Home Health staff.

Visitation will be from 1:30 PM – 3:45 PM, Monday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be given to Smithville Baptist Church, PO Box 52, Smithville, MS 38870; Pearce Chapel Free Will Baptist Church, 60174 Pearce Chapel Rd, Smithville, MS 38870; or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at eepicklefuneralhome.com.