Dr. Carroll Benthall, 86 of Tyler, Texas, passed away on March 28, 2017 peacefully in his sleep of natural causes. Carroll was born in Dallas, Texas on August 9, 1930. He graduated from Jacksonville High School and went on to achieve several degrees culminating with a Doctorate of Education from the University of Cincinnati. Carroll had a long military career in the Air Force, traveling with his family around the globe serving our country before leaving the military and earning his Ed.D. while employed as an Educational Consultant with the State Approving Agency for Veterans Training in Ohio. In 1998, he returned to his roots in Texas. He enjoyed reading his bible, listening to folk music, caring for his dogs and spending time with friends and family-all amplified by his whimsical charisma. He actively served his church community for many years, often as Sunday school teacher, deacon and chief charmer. Carroll was married and widowed twice, first to Betty Jean Benthall (Daniels Hodges) on October 9, 1950; they were married 59 years. And then to Fay Benthall (Cecil) on November 29, 2009 until her passing in 2015. Carroll is survived by his three children from his first marriage, Kerry Benthall of California; Diane Shilt of Ben Wheeler, Texas; Brenda Harpest of Dayton, Ohio; 9 Grandchildren & 11 Great Grandchildren. Carroll is also preceded in death by parents, James Augusta Benthall and Velma Ida Benthall; Brother, Kenneth L Benthall; as well as his sisters, Imola Eaves and Juanita Shirey; and Son, Rodney Dale Benthall. Visitation will be from 6:00PM-8:00PM on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at Caudle-Rutledge Funeral Home. Service and burial will be held at Meadow Cemetery in Jacksonville, Texas at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, April 5, 2017. Dr. Franklin Battles of Heritage Baptist Church will be officiating. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Caudle-Rutledge Funeral Home. The family of Dr. Carroll Benthall wishes to thank Dr. Franklin Battles of Heritage Baptist Church along with the Caudle-Rutledge Funeral Home and all US veterans for their service.
Published in Tyler Morning Telegraph on Apr. 3, 2017