Phillip Norris Carroll, 77 of Springhill, La., passed away June 15. He was a Marine veteran of the Vietnam war and pastored and/or served in student ministries at several churches in Southwest Arkansas and North Louisiana, including Lake Erling, Spring Branch, Central and First at Doyline before returning and serving Central Baptist Church in Springhill, La. as youth pastor.
He studied Bible and History at Central Baptist College and earned a Bachelor’s in English Education and Master of Arts in General Counseling, with a focus on addiction and mental health, both from Louisiana Tech.
Bro. Carroll also served 38 years in educational teaching, counseling and advising at Springhill High School, as well as a few years at Shongaloo schools. He also worked for a season as an academic advisor for Louisiana Virtual Charter Academy for K12. He joined the Success Insite counseling team in Bossier, La., serving clients as a national board certified counselor and a national board certified school counselor. For the past five years, he had operated out of his own private licensed professional counselor office at Counseling Ministries LLC in Springhill.
He was the father of Lori (Drew) Cline of Little Rock (featured on Lifeword’s The Lori Cline Show), and Steven (Donna) Carroll, of Forney, Texas, who has served several BMA churches. He was also the father of Sara McDaniel of Minden, La.
Other survivors include: Diane Benson Carroll, his wife of 36 years; three brothers, Al (Barbara) Carroll of Gallatin, Tenn., Stephen (Lenora) Wright of St. Marys, Ga. and Scott (Kelli) Wright of Bullard, Texas; a sister, Sandra (Wayland) Ayers Mabank, Texas; and six grandchildren.
Celebration of Life services were scheduled for June 21 at The Community Activity Center (CAC building) in Springhill, La., with Steven Carroll, Drew Cline and Terry Hughes officiating. A private interment was planned in Springhill Cemetery under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Central Baptist Church Youth Fund, 504 W. Church St., Springhill, La. 71075.