John Paul Carroll, Sr.

John Paul Carroll, Sr., father of four children and beloved grandfather to 14 grandchildren and one great grandchild, peacefully passed away at the age of 76 on January 18, 2024.

John Paul was born on October 7, 1947, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. His family moved to Meridian, Mississippi through the Southern Railroad and he graduated from Meridian High School with the Class of 1965. He had fond memories of being a Wildcat football player in high school and playing football at Scooba Junior College. He then earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from the University of Southern Mississippi. John Paul served in the Army Reserve during the Vietnam Era. In college, he began coaching, which he loved and continued to do in his community for many years.

John Paul had a “larger than life” personality, which he used to become a successful insurance agent and real estate manager and appraiser. A regular Temple Theater season ticket holder, he enjoyed attending community events and being with friends and family.

John Paul was a member of Poplar Springs Church and enjoyed visiting Queen City Nursing Home to read the Bible to residents. He endeavored to share his faith with his four children, who were his pride and joy. He is survived by his children: Melissa Dixon (Elijah), Emily Barberena (Hector), John Paul Carroll, Jr., Allison Burnside (Adam); and 14 grandchildren, who adored him. He was also a great grandfather and fun uncle to four nieces and nephews. John Paul is also survived by his siblings: Billy Carroll (Billie) and LaNelle Griffith (Jimmy).

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Raymond and Lona Hyde Carroll.

Funeral services for John Paul Carroll, Sr., of Meridian, will be held Monday, January 22, 2024, at 2:30 P.M. at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home with Dr. John Temple officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations for Bibles may be made to Gideon's International.

Pallbearers will be Billy Carroll, Dr. James Griffith, Hector Barberena, Percy Barberena, Ruben Barberena, Adam Burnside, and Jonathon Dixon.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at robertbarhamffh.com.

Visitation will be Monday, January 22nd from 12:30 P.M. until 2:15 P.M. at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home