Riley Carroll Obituary

Riley Oran Carroll died peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on October 1st, 2018 in Pawleys Island, SC at the age of 86.

Riley was born in Asheville, NC to Oran and Edith Carroll. He joined the Navy at 17 where he served on the USS Coral Sea Aircraft Carrier as a Boatswain's Mate.

After the Navy, Riley attended Asheville-Biltmore College and was a graduate of NC State University where he received BS and MS degrees.

While working his way through school he worked at Bensen Aircraft Co. in Raleigh. He then began teaching at Cary High School and quickly moved into an administrative position in the Wake County School System as Director of Vocational Education. He was also an instructor at NC State, Vocational Director of Georgetown public schools and Wilmington NC public schools.

His many talents included his sense of curiosity and inventiveness. He encouraged students to see their potential to become productive citizens and was instrumental in starting various vocational programs.

For his 50th birthday, Riley fulfilled a lifelong dream of being a pilot followed by 30 years as a flight instructor at Georgetown and Myrtle Beach airports.

In addition, he loved hiking the Appalachian Trail, riding motorcycles and driving through the NC mountains with Marianne in their convertible. He loved mechanics and even built his own street rod. Riley was an avid Atlanta Braves Fan, a Wolfpacker, and NASCAR lover.

Riley is survived by his wife of 42 years, Marianne Carroll of Pawleys Island, his children John Riley Carroll, wife Tonya and Sara Carroll Williams, husband David, all of Pawleys Island, children by marriage Wes Bellamy of Winston Salem, NC and Kym Ward of Lillington, NC. Riley and Marianne had 11 grandchildren: Maxie, Claudia, Grace, Colin, Joshua, Ian, Hannah, Samantha, Coleman, Roxane and Jeff and 1 great grandchild Killian. He was a very loving grandfather.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 13, 2018 at 11:00 AM at The Abbey at Pawleys Island with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Abbey at Pawleys Island, 46 Gathering Lane, Pawleys Island, SC 28585 or Amedisys Hospice, 391 Seaboard St., Unit 6, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577.

Condolences may be sent to www.burroughsfh.com. The family would like to thank Marjorie Brown, Lora Castner, Tracey Buchanan, Ellie Hopkins and many others for their dedication and compassion for Riley and family.