Reverend James Donald arroll
November 30, 1930 - June 11, 2012
Fortson, GA- Rev. Don Carroll, 81, of Fortson, Georgia, passed away on Monday, June 11, 2012, at St. Francis Hospital.
Don was born on November 30, 1930, in Columbus, Georgia, to the late Rev. Johnnie and Marie Carroll. He was an Assembly of God ordained minister for more than 60 years. He graduated from Central Bible College, Springfield, Missouri, and took additional studies at Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana. He ministered as an evangelist in over 25 states, the Bahamas, Canada, and Cuba.
Don served as the Georgia District Youth and Sunday School Director in the late 1950's, and directed several State Youth and Children's camps and Speed the Light tours.
Don's first pastorate was First Assembly of God, Bloomington, Indiana, where he built a beautiful new limestone church on 10 acres overlooking the Indiana University Football Stadium and Fieldhouse.
He also pastored First Assembly of God, Evansville, Indiana, where he merged two struggling churches and built a new church for the strong, vibrant congregation.
In 1975, Rev. Carroll became pastor of Beallwood Assembly of God, Columbus, Georgia, and was instrumental in the church buying the Evangel Temple building on 12th Avenue. Evangel church was then able to build a new church on Veterans Parkway. That was a vital step forward for both churches. Beallwood church then became Trinity Temple Assembly of God.
Don served as Presbyter of Columbus, Georgia's Pastors Fellowship, and Presbyter of the Columbus Section and served on the District Board for nine years.
He pastored Faith Assembly of God church in Lothian, Maryland, for several years. While in that state, Don gave the Invocation at both Houses in Session at the State Capitol in Annapolis, Maryland. He was also the speaker at the House of Representatives Staff Prayer Breakfast, United States Capitol, Washington, D.C.
Survivors include his wife of 54 ½ years, Anita Carroll, Five children, Danna Bailey (Rev. Jay); Lana Woodham (Jack); Brent Carroll (Jodi); Shana Dennis (Jason), all of Columbus,and Janna Fairchild (Shane) of Bradenton, Florida.
Surviving also are 12 grandchildren, Lauren Woodham Stone (Daniel); Lacey Woodham; Jayson, Jaymie, Seth, Savannah and Shaelyn Bailey; Aubrie and Jenna Carroll; Olivia and Zachary Dennis, all of Columbus; Taylor Fairchild of Bradenton, Florida, and a great grandchild, Ella Kay Stone of Columbus.
The funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 14, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. at Solid Rock Church, Warm Springs Road, with Rev. Jay Bailey officiating.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at McMullen Funeral Home 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907.
In lieu of flowers, Solid Rock Church has set up a fund in memory of Rev. James Donald Carroll.
Those who wish may sign the on-line guest registry at www.mcmullenfuneralhome.com.