Charles Marion Carroll, Jr.
Charles Marion Carroll, Jr., a resident of Skidaway Island, Savannah, GA passed away on Friday, May 3, at Hospice Savannah. Charles was a loving husband, caring father, proud grandfather and devoted friend. He was a man of principle, passion and reliability who was always there for those he loved.
Charles was born on August 25, 1924 in Augusta, Georgia, the son of Charles Marion and Cornelia Lyle Vaughn Carroll. The family later moved to Little Rock, Arkansas where he graduated from Little Rock Senior High School. At 16 he entered Georgia Tech University, where he joined the Sigma Chi Fraternity. He served four years in the Air Corps during World War II with various assignments in the European Theater. After the war he entered the University of Arkansas, graduating with a BS in Industrial Management. While attending college he met and married Nancy Louise Vance on August 28, 1948.
Upon graduation Charles joined The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, rising to Executive VP of a subsidiary company. He later became Marketing Manager for Mobil Oil Company, Director of Sales for Kurt Orban Company, and President of Taurus International, Inc. Despite these moves in six states and eleven assignments, the family did spend 22 years in Wilton, Connecticut. There he served on the Board of Directors of Silver Spring Country Club, was ordained as deacon in the Wilton Congregational Church, was active in local athletic organizations, and was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution.
In 1987, Charles and Nancy retired and moved to The Landings in Savannah, GA. Charles was active in the Skidaway Island Presbyterian Church and served on several Landings Club committees. He also enjoyed reading, gardening, playing bridge and fishing — whether in the many lagoons at The Landings or in Nantucket, catching big bass. However, one of his lifelong passions was playing golf. Charles loved his golf outings and the camaraderie with his many golfing buddies; and he has shot his age or better each year since he was 76!
Charles was known to create touching poems and recite them at many a special occasion — birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, graduations and more. And what a handyman — he could fix just about anything in or outside of the house. He also had a long-standing pursuit of the family history. Charles has researched and documented the genealogy of both his and Nancy’s family as far back as the 1700’s in Europe; and can show direct descendants from the American Revolution, including signers of the Declaration of independence.
Charles was a devoted Grandfather. Known as “Cha Cha” to the kids, he loved to design and create unique wooden children’s toys — castles, forts, fire houses, and miniature tables and chairs for the perfect tea party. He was always excited to attend his grandchildren’s next baseball, lacrosse or hockey game, golf match, figure skating competition or ballet recital. He was a big fan! He taught each of his grandchildren how to fish and their stories about fishing with Cha Cha are legendary.
Charles was a loving husband of Nancy Louise Vance Carroll for 65 years. He is also survived by his brother, Russell Vaughn Carroll and his wife, Kathryn Sprigg Carroll of Birmingham, AL; his daughter Nan Carroll Merolla, of Wilton, CT, and her husband Paul Anthony Merolla, and their children, Paul A. Merolla, Jr. and Christine C. Merolla; his son, William Vaughn Carroll, of Cincinnati, OH, and his wife, Beth Buse Carroll, and their children, William Vaughn Carroll, Jr., Charles Marion Carroll, Connor Barrett Carroll, and Daniel Vance Carroll.
A memorial service will be held at the Skidaway Island Presbyterian Church, Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to Skidaway Island Presbyterian Church, 50 Diamond Causeway, Savannah, GA 31411 or Hospice Savannah, Inc., 1352 Eisenhower Drive, Savannah, GA 31406.
Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.
Please sign our online guest book at www.foxandweeks.com.