Robert Anthony Carroll's Obituary
Deacon Robert Anthony Carroll, AIA “Precious in the Sight of the Lord is the death of His saint”. Psalms 116:15 Deacon Robert Anthony Carroll, AIA aka “Tony” or “Bob”, was born in Shreveport, Louisiana to Catherine London on November 12, 1953. Being the middle child of 5 siblings (Linda, Ann, Ron, and Nanette), Robert was raised in a faith driven family and community. His mother ensured that he received a proper religious foundation. He studied the gospel of Jesus Christ, and at the age of 9 years old made his confession of faith. He was baptized by the late Rev. L.C. Smith at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Shreveport, Louisiana. His faith continued to grow at the Church of the Living God, where he worshipped with his cousin and best friend, Bishop Jerry Maiden. Childhood influences were integral in shaping his passion for architecture. They include Robert’s Uncle Johnny, who gave him his first tool kit in addition to lessons in construction and design. His 4th grade teacher, Ms. Hazel Dickey, discovered his artistic talent. Uncle Buddy not only guided Robert’s educational pursuits, but he also taught him the value and importance of hard work, faith, family, and friendship. Robert began working at an early age developing his tireless work ethic that continued into his final months despite his late diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS); he never quit working. As he pursued his academic goals, Robert also displayed his athletic prowess in high school by playing 3 sports – track and field, football, and basketball while attending Byrd High School. After graduating from high school in 1971, he attended Southern University in Baton Rouge. He eventually transferred and graduated from Louisiana Polytechnic University with a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture. Upon graduating from college, he relocated from Shreveport to Sacramento, California following a short stint in St. Louis, Missouri. While he was living in Sacramento, he received his first apprenticeship and employment in architecture. During his time there he was also blessed with his first child Kiisa Antwoinette Carroll. Robert’s move to San Diego, California in 1979 rendered many more blessings in his life. In 1981, he was hired as an associate and later promoted to a principal with Salerno/Livingston Architects; a company that he helped build and sustain for nearly 40 years. He helped design several prominent buildings in San Diego-most notably Tony Gwynn Stadium at San Diego State University. Living in San Diego, Robert reunited with the love of his life and fellow Shreveport native, Valry Mae Richardson. Robert and Valry’s marriage in 1986 produced a union of 4 children: Christopher, Kiisa, Marcus, and Treyson Anthony Carroll. Always proud of all his children, they each uniquely display his same work ethic. He held that same pride for his seven grandchildren and cherished his role as Poppy. However, his role as a father figure didn’t end there; it extended to his nieces, nephews, and any other children that crossed his path. Robert’s passion and dedication for his work and family was reciprocated in his church and civic duties. Robert became a member of Bayview Baptist Church in 1992. For over 25 years, he was actively involved in a multitude of church ministries and community service with his church family. After receiving a personal call from the late Dr. Timothy J. Winters, Robert was ordained Deacon of Bayview in 2007. He participated on the Board of Directors for LEAD San Diego and the downtown branch of the YMCA as well as being a member of the Camp Enterprise Steering Committee for the Rotary Club 33 and a member of the Development Standards Workshop – Southeast San Diego for the City of San Diego Planning Department A loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, uncle, and above all a servant of God has gone to receive his eternal rest. Those cherishing his legacy are the many lives he touched, in particular: his wife (Valry Carroll) and children [Christopher Taylor (Kristen), Kiisa Carroll (Stanley), Marcus Carroll (Nina), and Treyson Anthony Carroll] along with his grandchildren (Jalani, Rose, Amel, Miles, Makayla, Marcina, and Mica), his mother Catherine London, mother-in-law Annie Mae Richardson, brother-in-law Willie James Richardson (Deborah), sisters [Linda London, Katherine Brown (Gerald), Nanette Foster (Harold)], brother Ronald Carroll, mother-in-law Annie Mae Richardson, brother-in-law Willie (Deborah) Richardson and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
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