Neal Floyd Carroll, 94, left this world to take the hand of Jesus, his Savior. He passed away on November 23, 2024, at the Westward Heights Care Center in Lander.
Neal was born on July 6, 1930, in the family home at Big Horn, Wyoming to his parents Granville W Carroll and Alta Mae (Wallace) Carroll. His father owned Carroll Realty in Sheridan, Wyoming, and his mother was a teacher.
Neal was the 7th child out of 14, although one of his sisters, Cleon, passed away as an infant. Neal's family homesteaded on land outside of Sheridan, Wyoming overlooking the Big Horn Mountains. He attended school through the 8th grade in a one room schoolhouse, learning alongside many of his siblings and friends. He told stories of walking to school in the winter over snowy miles of hills and rivers to cross to be finally rewarded with a warm fire at the small school.
Neal attended High School in Sheridan, Wyoming, and among other awards was elected president of his class all four years. However, his Senior year he was required to step down to let someone else have the opportunity and was then elected president of the National Honor Society. Neal played football for the Sheridan Broncs alongside his brother, Gerry, who was 10 months older. They could read each other’s intensions and were often successful on the field. He was graduated in 1949 after missing several weeks of school due to the notorious winter storm of 1949. Neal stayed home struggling to keep cattle, farm animals, and his family alive amidst feet of snow that covered fences, homes, barns, and even trains.
Neal attended the University of Wyoming on a wrestling scholarship in1949, but midway through his four years of college, responded to the call of duty to his country. He joined the Navy in January,1952 during the Korean War. As a recruit, Neal was chosen out of hundreds of men to receive the Navy American Spirit of Honor Medal. He won the medal in part for his intense patriotism and love of our country. The honor was awarded in front of thousands who gathered at the Naval base in San Diego.
During the war, Neal was stationed on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Bataan, with over 4,000 men. He was assigned a top-secret position answering only to the captain of the ship and was awarded the Korean Service Medal as well as the National Defense Service Medal. He fulfilled his duty in1956. Neal never lost his love for his country or his ability to espouse why our country was the best in the world and passed this love down to his children and grandchildren.
It was during this time that Neal attended a revival in Japan where his ship was docked, led by evangelist Billy Graham. He walked to the alter to receive Jesus Christ as his savior. As his faith grew his Gideon Bible dated 1952 was well used and cherished.
While on military leave in Sheridan, Neal and two brothers were baptized. At the service he met Judith McDowell who became the love of his life, and they were married in 1955.
Neal finished his bachelor's degree at the University of Wyoming and began his teaching career in Cody, Wyoming. Neal and Judy’s first-born child, Kristi Kay arrived on his very first day of teaching. After relocating to Riverton, daughters Kerri and Kimberly were added to the family.
After completing a master’s degree in school administration, Neal became a principal at Ashgrove and Lincoln Elementary schools in Riverton. He received the Outstanding Young Educators Award and later became assistant superintendent of Fremont County S.D. #25. Neal was instrumental in the development of the Riverton Career Center as well as Title 19 to help at-risk Native American students. During this time Neal completed his studies at the doctorate level through the University of Wyoming.
In 1980 Neal became the Superintendent of Schools in Thermopolis, and eight years later the Superintendent in Saratoga, Hannah, and Elk Mountain. He retired in 1994. Neal and Judy moved to Sheridan in 1997 and finally back to Riverton in 2019 to be near their three daughters and families.
Neal was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and loved reading and studying the Bible. He loved people, his children, and especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. There was not a fussy baby that Neal did not take as a challenge to pacify, and it endeared him to young and old alike. Neal was known for his quick but kind humor throughout his life and doctors and nurses were amazed by Neal’s kindness and unexpected humor throughout his medical challenges.
Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Judy Carroll of Riverton, daughters Kristi Woodward (Ron), Kerri Peil (Bruce), Kimberly Peil (Brian) all of Riverton, sister Ella Krull of Sheridan and brother George Carroll of Torrington. Grandkids include Lindsey Woodward and Tim Arthur, Everett Woodward, Allen and Mirjam Peil, Ryan and Damaris Peil, Kaleigh and Matthew Good, Brianne and Cody Wiebe, Elizabeth and Keith Brauneis, Matthew and Kasi Peil, Meghen and Mitch Brauneis, and Andrew and Angilena Peil. In addition, Neal is heir to 22 great grandchildren and 3 more expected in the coming year.
Neal adored attending the annual Carroll family reunion each summer for the last 50+ years where he was surrounded by his brothers and sisters, nieces, and nephews, and always a lot of fun. His family is now looking forward to a family reunion in heaven with Neal.
Neal was preceded in death by his parents, Granville and Alta Mae Carroll, brothers Don, Ike, Gerry, Melvin, and sisters Beatrice, Rachel, Lilas, Sylvia, Lluada, Docia, and Cleon.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 14 at 1:00, in the First Baptist Church of Riverton with Allen Peil, Neal’s grandson, officiating. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery with a dinner lovingly provided by the First Baptist Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Neal Carroll Fund for Christian Ministries in care of Davis Funeral Home, 2203 West Main Street, Riverton, WY, 82501.
Arrangements are being handled by the Davis Funeral Home and on-line condolences for Neal may be made at TheDavisFuneralHome.com.