William Charles Carroll

William Charles Carroll of Portland, Oregon passed away on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at the age of 61. Beloved memories of William’s kind soul and spirit live on through his daughters, Emilie and Sarah, their mother, Jill, his grandchildren, Walter and Layla, his brothers Tom and Joe, his nieces and nephews, and the many friends he made along the way.

William was born in Spokane, Washington on July 27, 1963 to Eldon “Lloyd” Carroll and Rowena Mae Carroll. William grew up with his two older siblings, Joyce and Wayne, and three younger siblings, Julie, Thomas, and Joseph. When he was young, his family moved briefly to Portland before settling in Sandy, Oregon. He attended Sandy High School prior to joining the Marine Corps in 1982 at 18 years old. He later attended George Fox University, earning his Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Management and Organization Leadership in 2006.

William served in the Marine Corps for four years where he was awarded badges for rifle expert and pistol sharpshooter. He was recognized with the Navy Achievement Medal for exemplary service as the Maintenance Chief for the Communications Platoon and was honorably discharged in 1986. William’s time in the Marines shaped his personal and professional life, molding him into a natural leader. Upon his return, William served as the owner and operator of the Gresham Figaro’s Pizza in the early 1990’s prior to starting his career with Nielsen TV Ratings. He proudly worked his way up through the company for over 20+ years, starting as a field representative and ending his career as a reputable regional field manager.

William and Jill started their relationship while William was on leave from the Marines in 1984, prior to a year-long assignment in Okinawa, Japan. They exchanged letters and calls, and continued their relationship once he returned home in December of 1985. William and Jill were married in August of 1988 and moved to their family home in NE Portland in 1989. They welcomed two daughters– Emilie in 1991 and Sarah in 1996.

William was a loving and dedicated father, full of jokes and laughter, and always put his family before himself. He and his family were members of St. Therese Catholic Church, where his daughters both attended school. Many life-long friendships were forged and his family cherishes the memories of the time spent camping, on the boat and at the family vacation home on Mayfield Lake. William was his happiest while on the water.

William and Jill fostered their great nephew, Colton, for several years. William loved Colton as his own and was so proud of him. He was a wonderful Grandfather to his two grandchildren, Walter and Layla.

Whether you called him William, Will, Dad, Grandpa, Uncle Will, “Big Willy C”, “Will Power”, or the very rare “Bill” – you had the honor of knowing a genuine, loyal, and caring person, who will truly be missed.

A memorial service will be held on the 16th of November at 11 AM at Bateman Carroll Funeral Home.