Robert C. "Bob" Carroll

Robert C. Carroll, known to those closest to him as "Bob", passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, February 17, 2016, at the age of 93. We used to tell him you're 93, he would say "Oh Boy" that is old… Bob was born in Roanoke, Virginia to Thomas and Mary Carroll. He grew up in the south and took on that easy-going charm southerners can have. He was captain of the basketball team in high school. His Bride of 61 years, Mary E. (Wickens) Carroll preceded him death, along with his brothers, Richard "Tinkum" and Thomas "Jack" Carroll of Virginia.

Bob enjoyed working, which not many people can say and worked into his 80's. He had taken part in many things along his journey here on earth. The one lesson he taught over and over is a good work ethic. Things come to those who work hard to make it happen.

Part of his working career included the U.S. Army where he served 10 years as a medic and was stationed at what used to be called the Percy Jones Hospital. Also, he worked in the NCO club and at Eaton Corporation. Part of his working career was at Sears as a division manager where he worked for 18 years before getting his builders' license, then building and managing apartments in Battle Creek.

Bob was a Free & Accepted Mason at Battle Creek Lodge# 12 for 67 years and had many brothers and friends along life's road.

He was past-president of the Rental Association, and a member at First Wesleyan Church for over 40 years, where he served as an usher, did hospital visits, meals on wheels, and attended their men's breakfasts and bible studies.

Bob could grow vegetables that would put Hunt's products to shame. He especially loved and took great pride in having the first ripe tomatoes of the year in the neighborhood. As a kid, he worked in the tomato factory. He was often found giving out tomatoes to neighbors, friends, residents, or was home canning them up for chili and goulash.

Bob so much enjoyed teaching his children and grandchildren the world of property management. He had patience beyond patience as the kids learned sometimes through the school of hard knocks, which he believed were the most valuable lessons life can teach, (ones you do not easily forget!).

In his later years, he enjoyed his home in Florida in the winters where he joined the association's party planning committee. Both he and his wife loved the holidays, went a tiny bit over board decorating for them, cooking for them and visiting with all the people who looked forward to their parties. The family wishes to thank all those who cared for Bob these last few years you were truly a blessing!

Bob is survived by his daughter, Debra "Debbie" (Charlie) Morse; son, Thomas "Tom" (Kevin Kline) Carroll; his granddaughter, Laura (Larry) Taylor; his grandson, Tyler (Lindsay) Morse; great-granddaughter "Charlie" Morse, and a niece, Patricia.

The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday, February 22, 2016 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care where a Masonic service will be held at 7:30 p.m., Monday. Funeral services to celebrate Bob's life will be held 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at the First Wesleyan Church of Battle Creek, 14425 Helmer Road South Battle Creek, MI 49015. Bob will be interred next to his loving wife, Mary at Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the American Diabetes Association or the Alzheimer's Association. Personal messages for the family and/or favorite memories of Bob may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.