He was preceded in death by his parents, Warren and Druscilla Carroll, a sister and step-sister.

Don is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Joyce, of over 54 years.

Don graduated from Newport News High School in 1960, where he lettered in three sports. He lettered in basketball, football and track and field while leading his team to championship seasons. While playing basketball for the legendary coach "Lefty Driesell", Don led his 19-4 District Championship team in rebounding. His senior year of playing football, anchored by his stellar line play, helped his team to have a 9-1 season only losing to State Champion Norview. Additionally, his team crushed the cross town rival, Hampton, in the annual Turkey Day game. His outstanding senior season play lead to all 1st Team All District Honors and 2nd Team All Regional.

As the co-captain of the Typhoon Track & Field team, he helped lead his team to the state Championship while establishing himself as the record holder of the 12 lb. shotput. In his senior year, Don continuously set and broke his own state record during various meets. Additionally, he was simultaneously winning the Discus to help propel his team to winning meets. As a result of his banner year, he was honored by the Peninsula Sports Club on the all Track & Field Team for Shot Put and Discus. In his senior year, he was voted to be the "Most Athletic". He was also voted into the Newport News Track & Field Hall of Fame. Don excelled in all three sports as a Typhoon and as a result of his outstanding play, was awarded a full scholarship to play football for the University of Miami.

After Don came home from Miami, he went on to continue playing football for the semi-pro team, the Norfolk Neptunes. His success playing for them led to him being invited to try out for the Washington Redskins.

In 1964, Don began his career building great ships in support of our Navy to protect and serve America while continuing to play for the Norfolk Neptunes until 1967.

He brought great pride and team spirit from his days of playing sports to a successful career working for the Newport News Shipyard. He held various positions and worked on many different programs during his 42 years in shipbuilding earning the designation of a "Master Shipbuilder" for his forty plus years of service. He retired in August of 2006, as a Senior Engineering Analyst.

Don enjoyed spending his time off working in his yard until his physical condition would not allow him to continue.

Special thanks goes to the Riverside Hospice, especially nurse Melissa, and to the healthcare team at the Chesapeake Retirement Center.

Visitation will be on Monday, March 12, at 11 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, at 4700 Huntington Avenue followed by the funeral at 12 p.m. Burial will be at the Peninsula Memorial Park, with a reception following at The Chesapeake.

Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.

Published in the Daily Press on March 10, 2018.
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