Samuel E. Carroll Jr.

1943 - 2026

Samuel E. Carroll Jr., 82, of Galena, MD died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on February 19, 2026, at Compass Hospice in Centreville, MD.

Sam was born on December 18, 1943 in Worton, MD at home on the farm to the late Samuel E. Sr. and Lillian Darrell Carroll. He attended schools in Chestertown and was a 1964 graduate of Chestertown High School. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Navy where he proudly served until his honorable discharge in 1968. While in the Navy he served overseas during the Vietnam War on the amphibious assault ship the USS Princeton. Shortly after his discharge from the Navy he met the love of his life Betty at a dance in Betterton. They married in 1969 and shortly after they built their house in Galena. There they called home for the next 50 years, where they raised their family and made life long friendships. Many of these friends and community members knew Sam for his kindness and caring personality.

Sam was an avid sports fan and sports were a large part of his life. If he wasn't playing or coaching softball, baseball or basketball, he was watching it, especially his beloved Baltimore Orioles, Baltimore Colts and eventually the Ravens. When he was stationed in San Diego in the Navy, he also found a love for the San Diego Chargers when they were in the AFL, prior to the NFL/AFL merger. He always cheered on his west coast team, unless they were playing Baltimore. He had a knack for remembering

stats and facts about players and teams and could pull them out in a moment's notice in sports discussions. If he wasn't watching sports Sam loved being outside working around the house and tending to his garden. He also enjoyed listening to the news and sports radio on an AM radio that friends lovingly called "Sam's Crackle Box."

Sam most valued his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. He was a patriot at heart and loved his country. He was an active member of the C. Henry Price II American Legion Post 246 and was a former Post Commander. He was also a history lover and enjoyed studying the history of the United States and just like his knack for remembering sports facts, he also had that knack for remembering important dates and events in history - often quizzing his children and grandchildren. He instilled a love and respect for our country in his family. Dinners were spent together at the dinner table every night listening to the news on the radio and discussing current events. He also believed that regardless of our differences in opinions, we should all respect each other. While he may no longer be with us, he entrenched these values in his children and grandchildren.

Along with his parents he is preceded in death by loving wife of 54 years Elizabeth 'Betty' Carroll, and siblings Ernest Usilton, Bill Usilton, Lib Davis, Gin Capel, and Robert Carroll.

Sam is survived by his children Jeffrey D. Carroll and Maureen E. Ranville (Sean), grandchildren Emma and Alex Ranville, siblings Doris Fletcher, Fran Wersten, John Carroll and many nieces, nephews and life-long friends.

A visitation will be held on Saturday February 28, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM in the Galena Funeral Home of Stephen L. Schaech, 118 W. Cross St. Galena, MD, where a funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM. Burial will follow in Galena Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the C. Henry Price II American Legion Post 246, PO Box 100 Betterton, MD 21610 or to the Galena Volunteer Fire Company, PO Box 189 Galena, MD 21635.