It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Michael Royce Carroll. Mike, 71, of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away on October 15 after a lengthy and courageous battle with myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myeloid leukemia.
Mike was born in Aurora, Colorado, on June 15, 1953 to Amy Patrick Shearer (Bud) and William Royce Carroll (Dodie).
He moved to Iowa as an infant and grew up in Ottumwa where he spent his formative years working with his dad at Carroll Lumber and playing sports. He graduated from Ottumwa High School in 1971 where he excelled in the classroom and out as a First Team All-State football player. He went on to play football and study engineering at Iowa State University, graduating in 1976, and was a diehard Cyclone for the remainder of his life. During his college years, he was drafted into the National Guard, serving his country admirably.
Mike spent his career as a construction engineer in Iowa, first in Sioux City and then in Des Moines where he raised his family. He considered his years with Hansen Company his most rewarding as an engineer. He also spent time in government as Director of Administrative Services of the State of Iowa. His crowning work achievement was being chosen by Master Builders of Iowa (MBI) for the “Skill, Integrity, and Responsibility” award, which honors Iowa engineers of outstanding contribution and moral character. At the time this award had been given out only three times since 1912.
But by far Mike’s greatest passion was his family. Mike is survived by his cherished wife and best friend of 50+ years Paula (Russell) Carroll; sons Dr. Clinton Carroll (Paige) and Clay Carroll (Nora Yoo), both of Nashville, Tennessee; grandchildren Arlo Yoo-Carroll, Dot Carroll, and May Yoo-Carroll; brother Paul Dennis Carroll (Martha) of Port Orange, Florida; sister Deb Hearn (Dave) of Clive, Iowa; brother-in-law Dave Edgar of Port Orange, Florida; and many nieces and nephews.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Marilyn Jo Edgar, his brother Dr. Dean Collopy, and his in-laws Mary Maxine, whom he considered a second mother, William Stackhouse, and George Russell.
Mike was beloved by all who knew him. He was kind and good and selfless – always putting his family first. He loved to laugh and make others laugh. He loved to garden, play golf on hot summer days, hike in the woods, identify birds by their calls, explore Florida beaches, help others with projects of all sorts, and build anything and everything. He was incredibly capable and full of life and energy. He had a deep, unshakeable faith in God. He started each day counting his blessings and even when at his sickest saw each day as a gift worthy of happiness and praise. He never once complained during his illness. He was simply a great man who brought a beautiful light to the world. He was a hero to his family and will be profoundly missed.
A celebration of life and inurnment will be held at a later date to be announced. https://www.springhillfh.com
For more obituaries visit https://davidsoncountysource.com/obituaries/
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