Sam Jones Carroll, III

Sam Jones Carroll III, born and raised in Ozark, Alabama, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2025, in Birmingham, following complications from a stroke. He spent his final days surrounded by the comfort and love of his family.

Sam was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1948, in Ozark, to Mary Elizabeth Trotman Carroll and Sam Jones Carroll Jr. A 1967 graduate of Carroll High School, Sam had a lifelong love of athletics and excelled in basketball during his youth. He later developed a deep passion for golf. After high school, he attended Chipola Junior College for a year before transferring to the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, where he studied Business Administration and was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity.

After leaving The University of Alabama, Sam returned home to Ozark to help run the family business, M.O. Carroll Newton Grocery Company. Over the next 25 years, working alongside family, the company grew into one of the largest wholesale grocers in the southeastern United States. In 1989, it proudly celebrated 100 years in business. A man of deep faith, Sam was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church in Ozark, where he served in many roles, including on the Administrative Board, Finance Committee and as Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

Sam was known for his compassion, generosity, and unwavering support of others. He was a constant presence at ball games, recitals, and events for his children and grandchildren, cherishing every opportunity to be with his family, especially during the holidays. He was also a devoted Alabama football fan, rarely missing a game and proudly cheering on the Crimson Tide. Some of his happiest moments were spent at the beach, where he loved being near the water and with his family and close friends. Sam was known for frying shrimp and French fries to perfection…never hesitating to travel with his Fry Daddy in tow just in case the opportunity for use arose.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Elizabeth Trotman Carroll and Sam Jones Carroll Jr. He is survived by his children Sam Jones Carroll IV (Kacy), Ronald Peacock Carroll (Anna), and David Neal Carroll (Anne Turner), all of Birmingham, Alabama; and Rebecca Carroll Sims (Lee) of Oxford, Alabama. He is also survived by his former wife, Priscilla Yeakle Carroll, of Birmingham, with whom he shared many years of marriage. Sam leaves behind eight beloved grandchildren Bentley, Sam, Luke, Davis, Grey, and Greer Carroll, and Harrison and Liza Sims. He is also survived by his brother, John Trotman Carroll (Pam), and his sister, Lottie Carroll Brauer (Mike), both of Ozark, as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews.

A private family graveside service will be held on Wednesday, September 10th at 9:00 a.m. at Westview Memorial Cemetery followed by a Celebration of Life / Visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. with lunch to follow at the First United Methodist Church of Ozark Family Life Center, where all friends are welcome to gather in remembrance of Sam.

Serving as Pallbearers will be Alan Benefield, Billy Blackwell, Mike Brauer, Frank Carroll, Jimmy Golden, Bryant Mixon, Neal Phillips, Lee Sims, and Johnny Williams.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Sam’s memory to the First United Methodist Church, 167 East Broad Street, Ozark, AL 36360 or to a charity of your choice.