Clarence Alvin Carroll Sr. was born August 25, 1943 in
Henderson North Carolina. He was fourth child (of 9) born to loving
parents, James Roy and Daisy Mae (Baskerville) Carroll.
Clarence graduated from Henderson Institute High
School. In 1962 he headed for the bright lights of the Big Apple. In New York
City he worked in a factory while simultaneously pursuing a
brick masonry apprenticeship. While in New York he would meet and fall in
love with Ruth Eleanor Bell. Their courtship would span 4 years when finally,
the young couple would form a union under God March 31, 1968. The
union would produce 7 beautiful children.
In 1975 Clarence would relocate his growing family
to his wife's place of birth Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Clarence worked
as Brick Mason and quickly became one of the trades most sought after
talents. The local media decided to write an article detailing his expertise.
The notoriety led to many meaningful contacts with community leaders and
peers thus establishing him as a highly sought-after talent. While he was happy
accepting major contracting jobs in and around the City of Philadelphia; his most impactful
masonry job came when he was asked to use
his considerable talent to restore a small church on a busy corner. The connections and friendships made in that church proved to be a turning point in Clarence's life and have a personal impact on his family that
continues today.
Clarence did not limit his abilities to
just masonry, Clarence was also an entrepreneur who continuously sought
out new opportunities to improve his family's quality of life. He was able
to establish several businesses within the community earning him a
reputation as a tireless worker with legendary work ethic.
Clarence was a lover of music and a
known sports enthusiast. It was not unusual to walk into
the Carroll household and see his loving wife preparing a meal while Clarence tickled the keyboard of his organ playing and singing "Kansas City Here I Come" all while his children danced and sang along with him. When he was done with the music, he would put the organ away and turn on the TV to find any ball game he could find. Clarence loved all sports but especially baseball and more specifically Hank Aaron. His passion and appreciation for music
and sports found its way into the DNA of his children and grandchildren as well. He nurtured and encouraged his children to prepare and pursue whatever they felt was their goal.
On December 23rd, 2020. Clarence was called home
from earthy labor to eternal rest. He is proceeded in death by his Father
James Roy Carroll, Mother Daisey Mae (Baskerville) Carroll, Brother Roy Lee Carroll, Brother Milton Carroll, Brother Fred Carroll, Brother Thurston Carroll,
Son Reggie Carroll.
Clarence is survived by his Wife Ruth Eleanor
(Bell) Carroll, Son Clarence Carroll Jr.(Delia), Daughter
Melanie Bell (Kevin), Son Andre Carroll, Son Cornell Carroll (Quwanda),
Daughter Monica Carroll-Keeling (Ernest), Daughter Megan Carroll, Daughter
Pamela Huggins, Brother Samuel Carroll (Mary), Brother Morris Carroll (Rose), Sister Kathy Richardson (John), Sister Shirley Annette Harris, Sister In-Law Willene Elder- Carroll, Companion Vernel Jacobs, 15 grandchildren,4 great grandchildren, and a
host of family and friends.
