Rodger Taylor Carroll

Rodger Taylor Carroll of Athens, Ga passed away Wednesday, November 14, 2018. He was preceded in death by his wife, Susette Talarico and parents, Victor and Alouise Carroll. He is survived by his wife, Liliana Carroll; son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Alexis Carroll of Atlanta, Ga; son, Pablo Davila of Atlanta, Ga; son, Gabriel Davila of Washington D.C.; brothers, Wayne and David Carroll; sister, Carolyn Neese; soon-to-be granddaughter, Ella Susette Carroll; and 19 adoring nieces and nephews.

Rodger Carroll grew up in a loving household in Memphis, Tennessee. He was a golden gloves boxer, winning the Mid-South Championship as a youth. He volunteered for the army upon graduating high school, and became a paratrooper in the 173rd Airborne Brigade. He deployed to Vietnam in service to America, a great source of pride throughout his life. After a short time in Vietnam, Rodger was wounded in combat and lost both of his legs. For his sacrifice and bravery, he was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Medal.

Not to let his disability define his life, Rodger pursued a study of the classics after recovering from his wounds. He discovered a lifelong love of philosophy, greek, and latin, obtaining a Masters degree in Philosophy from the University of Georgia, and taught all of the aforementioned subjects at various levels. Moreover, his sense of humor always served him well. For recreation, he enjoyed traveling, reading, playing golf, Georgia football, Atlanta Braves’ baseball, and spending countless hours with friends and family. Rodger’s relationships with other people are the greatest measure of his character. As one friend said, “He was a true patriot, a great American, and a loving father and husband.”

Visitation will take place Sunday, November 18, 2018 from 6-8pm at Lord and Stephens Funeral Home East Chapel. The service will be Monday, November 19, 2018 at 2pm at The Catholic Center at the University of Georgia. Burial will follow the service at Oconee Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of or in addition to flowers, please make donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Rodger’s name at https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=wtg-mm-btn-donate-now.

Lord and Stephens – East is in charge of arrangements.