LTC (Ret) Dolpha True "Buck" Carroll Jr.

Dolpha True “Buck” Carroll, Jr., son of the late Dolpha True Carroll and Nellie May (Hammack) Carroll, was born April 2, 1929, in St. Louis, Missouri. As a young boy, Buck, as he was known by his family and friends, grew up in the Swedeborg, Missouri area where he attended school. On June 10, 1954, Buck entered the United States Air Force and served his country faithfully until his retirement on September 30, 1972. He had attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and several awards and commendations. Shortly after retiring from the military, Buck began working as a pilot for Fed Ex. He served as head of flight training and retired in 1992. Buck received a plaque from the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) for 50 years of flight safety. Buck loved to fly, and he spent the majority of his life being a pilot instructor and eventually retired from flying at the age of 92. He loved to do aerobatic flying and competed in the International Aerobatic Club (of which he was a member) competition and was champion in the Intermediate Division in 1984. On December 3, 1985, Buck was united in marriage to Frances LaVerne England in Memphis, Tennessee. They shared over 38 years of marriage together and many wonderful memories. Buck loved his family dearly and treasured the times that they could spend together. He passed away Wednesday, February 28, 2024, in his home surrounded by his family having attained the age of 94 years. He will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. Buck leaves to cherish his memory, his wife: LaVerne Carroll of the home; two children: Jean Sampsel (Jon) of Valparaiso, IN and Doug Carroll (Lisa) of Smithville, MO; two stepsons: John Pendergrass of Eudora, MS and Rodney Pendergrass (Lisa) of Southaven, MS; one step-daughter: Michelle Pendergrass of Byhalia, MS; daughter-in-law: Penny Carroll of Battlefield, MO; fourteen grandchildren: Hilary Bales, Erin Erwin, Jennifer Carroll, Michael Carroll, Zachary Carroll, Rachel Carroll, Gennifer Fiene, Heather Robins, John Robins, Tiffany Pendergrass Black, Hayden Pendergrass, Megan Pendergrass, Cindy Morrill, and Brooke Covington; eighteen great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Buck was preceded in death by one son: John Dale Carroll (March 25, 2021). Services were held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 6, 2024 in the Memorial Chapel of Richland with Joe Vincent officiating. Serving as escorts were Rodney Pendergrass, Doug Carroll, Tony Pendergrass, Brandon Bales, Zachary Carroll, and Tim Black. Serving as honorary escorts were Hayden Pendergrass, Max Stanford, Michael Carrell, and Jon Sampsel. Burial with military honors followed in the Oaklawn Cemetery of Richland with honors being provided by the United States Air Force. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Buck Carroll and may be left at Memorial Chapel of Richland.

LTC (Ret) Dolpha True "Buck" Carroll Jr.

April 2, 1929 - February 28, 2024