John "Big John" Carroll

John Thomas Calvin Carroll, 51, of Gainesville, passed away July 9, 2022 in Denison.

John was born August 12, 1970 and grew up in Cooke County.  He graduated from Gainesville Christian Academy and attended diesel mechanic college in Oklahoma.  Early in life, John discovered his three great passions – music, heavy equipment, and guns.  He was a self-taught guitar player, and enjoyed bluegrass music, the steel guitar being his favorite.  Big John was the happiest when moving dirt in his dozer.  His proficiency was well known and in high demand.  He was a responsible gun collector and he knew how to build them and use them, but always emphasized safety and maintenance.  Being a superb story teller, and his wide range of interests, he never met a stranger.  John would give anyone the shirt off of his back but he never backed down from a fight.  He was a skilled grill master, and loved to share his expertise with family and friends at parties and events.  The more the better.  He was a beloved son, and strength to his sisters.  He was outgoing, hardworking, fun-loving, and delighted in pulling jokes.  At the first of this year, John made a life-changing commitment to God.  He wanted everyone to have his new-found peace and joy.  John overflowed with love.  He will be sorely missed, leaving a big hole in our hearts.

Mr. Carroll was preceded in death by: brother Thomas Calvin Carroll, Jr.; grandparents Thomas and Lillie Belle Carroll; grandparents Richard and Charlsie Cady; and nephew Jonathan David King.

Survivors include: parents Thomas and Luteen Carroll of Gainesville; sister Cynthia King and husband Rick of Gainesville; sister Rebecca Strickland and husband Michael of Sterlington, LA; sister Diana Taylor of Gainesville; sister Sandra Summerlin and husband Terry of Waco; sweetheart Tonya Parker Carroll of Gainesville; friend, but more of a brother Bobby Jobe of Gainesville; uncle Tommy Burks and wife B.J. of Whitesboro; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 16, 2022, at Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home.