William J. Carroll

1915 - 2014

William J. Carroll William J. Carroll died unexpectedly at his home in Mc Kinleyville, California on January 27, 2014. He was born to Charles Carroll and Caroline Rebholz on August 26, 1915 in San Francisco, California. Raised in Southern California, Bill was an intelligent, charismatic, mercurial and independent man. He accomplished many things in his 98 years starting as chef, aircraft inspector, inventor and professional photographer - one of the first to use and process color film in California. While building his photographic business, he used a new model, Norma Jeane Dougherty, for some advertising material. She later became known as Marilyn Monroe. His adventurous spirit inspired him to ride his motorcycle over the Pan-American Highway to Central American and the Panama Canal where he started his career in journalism. Bill returned to California a couple of years later to continue writing and became well known as an automotive journalist, free-lance writer and publisher. Later with the sponsorship of Ford Motor Company, he drove the Pan-American Highway from Alaska to Brazil writing about his month odyssey in Aventura Alaska Brasil. During the ensuing years, Bill became involved with various local public activities and moved from Southern California to New Mexico and Northern California. He enjoyed hiking and traveling the world while continuing to write and publish numerous books and short stories. He was a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers and Mensa. He was predeceased by his brother, Jimmy Pratt well know Big Band, Swing and Jazz drummer and his sister, Margaret Ann Lomax Bragdon of Escondido, California. Mr. Carroll is survived by daughters Jeanne Collette (Raymond) of Orland, California, Sue Zann Carroll and Kim Kirchoff (Paul) of Washington, four grandchildren and six great grandchildren. No Services are planned. Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com and click on obituaries.