Ltc. John Ethridge Carroll (Ret.)

John Ethridge Carroll passed away on October 13, 2022. The country has lost an American Hero and a wonderful friend to all. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 48 years, Jane Carroll; brother, Edward Carroll (Carolyn); and many nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. Special mention must be made of his greatly loved “adopted” daughter, Alexa Gail and her daughter, Abigail Rose. John was born on March 4, 1937 in North Carolina but became a real Virginian. He attended high school, (played football) in Wilmington and then attended Furman University, graduating in 1960. Throughout his academic career, he was in the Army ROTC program. After Furman, he joined the U.S. Army on the 10th of March, 1961.

In the Army, John had an extensive career in the 82nd Airborne as an Air Defense Officer. Throughout his career he earned the National Defense Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal (2 Oak Leaf Cluster); Vietnam Service Medal; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Bronze Star Medal; Expert Qualifications Badge; Meritorious Service Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “X” Device; and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Bronze Star. He served two tours in Vietnam where he was wounded in action. His courage and bravery earned him the Purple Heart. The word “hero” is often overused but, in John’s case, he truly was a hero, repeatedly risking his life for his fellow soldiers and for his beloved country. After his recovery, he went on to serve the Army in many roles, many countries, and throughout the United States. After moving to Williamsburg, John served his fellow veterans in leadership roles of Chapter 1754 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. He was also a member of the Porsche Club where he coordinated parades.

John is perhaps best remembered by his stories of every place he’d been and everything he had seen or done. John was an avid bird hunter and after retiring from the Army, he raised Llewellin English Setters under the kennel name of Roughclose. He participated in field trials and shooting competitions well into his 70’s. Another of John’s passions was his yard. He loved having a yard that everyone could enjoy. His daffodils (all 10,000 of them) are legendary. John touched countless lives. Despite his medical conditions, he had a love for life, for his wife and family, his setters, and for his large and devoted circle of friends.

A visitation for John will be held Friday, October 28, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd., Williamsburg, Virginia 23188, followed by a service at 2:00 PM.

He made a mark on all who knew him. He will be greatly missed but not forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in John’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) or the U.S. Olympic Shooting Team (www.usashooting.org).

Online expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com for the Carroll family.