Mr. L. Cleo Carroll, 94, a WWII Navy Veteran and longtime resident of Covington, Georgia passed into Glory on January 5, 2022. Mr. Carroll was born in 1927 in Berlin, Georgia, and was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Alma Carroll. He is survived by his daughter Judy Cannon of Covington and son MG(R) Les Carroll (Linda) of Covington. Known by his family as “Pop”, he cherished his grandchildren Mark Cochran (Denise), Misty Jordan (Marshall), Laura Malone (Alex), Dr. Timothy Carroll (Britney), Daniel Carroll (Loren), Philip Carroll (Kari), Emily Howard (Dylan), Kyle Cannon (Bre), and his 15 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Kenneth Carroll (Miriam) of Panama City, Florida.
Cleo and Alma raised their children in Decatur, Georgia, where they were founding members of Valley Brook Baptist Church before moving to Covington in 1981. He was a longtime member of High Point Baptist Church in Covington and loved to pass his latter days listening to old southern gospel music.
Mr. Carroll was a Navy Seabee during WWII and served on Guam in the Pacific Theater. He loved to tell stories of his Navy adventures, including accidently knocking out the entire power grid on Guam while operating a crane. He was a member of the American Legion Post 32 in Covington and was very proud to be a Veteran.
He made his living as a travelling salesman in the candy business and is still remembered around Decatur as “the Candy Man” to his children’s friends. He owned Carroll-Johnson Brokerage Co., Inc., a confectionary manufacturers’ representative firm until he sold it in 1995.
He invested his retirement years taking care of his lake and property, relishing fishing with his wife and throwing fish fries and barbeques for family, friends and political candidates. Mr. Carroll loved local politics and was very active behind the scenes, but family was always most important to him.
Cleo Carroll loved his family fiercely, was a man of his word, champion of old school character and integrity, and always a gentleman. He was so humbly grateful for God’s blessings in his life, but looked forward to seeing his wife again in heaven. He was a great man.
Funeral Services were held Sunday, January 9, 2022 at High Point Baptist Church, 12025 GA-36, Covington, GA 30014 with visitation at 1:00 pm and Memorial Service at 2:00 pm, interment followed at the church cemetery, Rev. T. J. Bennett officiating. In lieu of flowers the family requests that you donate gifts to High Point Baptist Church or your favorite Veterans support charity. J.C. Harwell and Son Funeral Home, TE Davis Funeral Services, 2157 East Street, SE, Covington, GA 30014.
Gov. Brian Kemp has lifted the restrictions for large gatherings and other recommendations throughout Georgia. However, we ask that you still be respectful of the family and others during this time. If you are sick or have any symptoms of COVID 19, please do not attend the service or services.
