Robert D. Carroll, Sr.

Published 8:47 am Wednesday, January 15, 2025

TALLAHASSEE, FL – United States Air Force (Retired) Major Robert D. Carroll, Sr., PhD, 94, finished his earthly course, surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, January 2, 2025. Funeral services are 12:00 noon Monday, January 13, at Bethel AME Church, Tallahassee, FL. The viewing-visitation is 3-5 p.m. Sunday at Bethel. Interment with full military honors will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the Tallahassee National Cemetery. Born and raised in Climax, GA, Dr. Carroll was the epitome of success, having risen from humble beginnings. The only brother of four sisters, he graduated in 1947 from High School in Bainbridge, GA. He attended Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA from 1947-48. In 1948, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and remained enlisted for 10 years before successfully challenging the Officers Candidate School Exam. Over the next 11 years, he attained the rank of Major, prior to retiring from 21 years of active duty. Robert was always actively engaged in learning. He attained his B.S. degree in Business Administration in 1973 from Florida A&M University, graduating Summa Cum Laude. He attended the Institution for Education Management at Harvard Business School in the Summer of 1973. He earned his M.S. in Public Administration in 1974 from Florida State University and his doctorate in Higher Education in 1977, also from FSU. As a civilian, he began his career as Director of Personnel at FAMU. He spent several years at the Florida Board of Regents before returning to FAMU as Vice-President of Administration and Financial Affairs, where he remained for 22 years. He was known for his perceived toughness; however, beneath all of that was a man with a heart of gold, one who would go far beyond the expected to help those in need. In summary, he never forgot his roots. Left to cherish his love and legacy are his six children: Robert D. Carroll, Jr., Tallahassee, FL, Rodney (Linda) Carroll, Columbia, MD, Donna C. (Ronald) Barron, Tallahassee, FL, Sharon C. (Eugene) Thomas, Atlanta, GA, Anthony (Pamela) Carroll, West Palm Beach, FL and Nora C. Wells, Atlanta, GA; 14 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; sisters: Mary C. Durham, Garden Grove, CA and Edna C. Pennington, Long Beach, CA; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his wife, Thelma and two sisters.