Carroll Ray Kerr

Carroll R Kerr, age 89, of Findlay, Ohio, passed away on December 7, 2024, under Hospice Care at the Provision Senior Living Community in Findlay. In his final days, he was surrounded by his entire family and many dear friends.

Carroll was born on August 28, 1935, in Parkersburg, West Virginia to John W. Kerr and Nina M. (Pierce) Kerr. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America, earned the rank of Eagle Scout and was inducted into the Order of the Arrow Brotherhood. He and his best friends traveled across the country, including an epic trip to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. He played the coronet in the Parkersburg High School (PHS) "Big Red" Band, the only military-style high school marching band in the country. He proudly wore PHS and West Virginia University hats even as an adult. Known to his childhood friends as "Cannon Ball," he maintained those close connections throughout his life. After high school, he attended Marietta College for one year before enlisting in the US Army. Completing his basic training at Fort Bragg, Carroll served in military intelligence in Eritrea, Africa. While stationed overseas, he traveled to Egypt, the Holy Lands, Saudi Arabia, Italy, and Germany.

After his honorable discharge from the US Army, Carroll returned to Marietta College to complete his Bachelor of Sociology degree. During that time, he met the love of his life, Cora Louise Shiltz, who he married on June 17, 1961. After graduation, Carroll resumed his connection with the Boy Scouts, serving as Southwest Ohio District Manager. In January 1962, Carroll joined the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare in the Social Security Administration. Over the next 30 years, Carroll rose through the ranks of the SSA into management at the Findlay, Ohio, regional office in 1970 where he completed his career, retiring in May 1988. He was repeatedly recognized for outstanding performance and leading the agency into the computer age.

Carroll loved to travel with Cora. They traveled throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe, with their favorite vacations taken on the North Carolina coast. He was an early adopter of computers and always enjoyed technology. Carroll's quiet heart for service extended to his 55-year membership at First Presbyterian Church. There he was a deacon, elder, teacher, and scoutmaster for Troop 304. When asked, he would say humbly, "We are blessed to live abundantly in the greatest country in the world. I have been to visit, live and see other places nowhere near as fortunate. Even among this abundance, some people need and deserve a hand-up. It is our duty, honor, and privilege to serve others."  

Carroll's greatest joy undeniably was his family. With Cora, they enjoyed attending their children's and grandchildren's sports and musical performances. His life stories and ornery wit will be treasured and greatly missed. He was never overly vocal in the sharing of his love for friends and family; however, his actions and ever-present support spoke volumes.

Carroll is survived by his wife, Cora, and their children Carolyn Varick (Douglas), Cincinnati, OH; John (Cindy), Monclova, OH; Matthew (Stacy), Bowling Green, OH; grandchildren Wesley, Reston, VA; David (Meghan), Grove City, OH; Megan, Bowling Green, OH; Sarah Trimpey (Jason), Findlay, OH; and Kelsey, Bowling Green, OH. 

He fulfilled the Boy Scout promise and left the world a better place than when he entered.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, from 4:00PM-6:00PM, at KIRKPATRICK-BEHNKE FUNERAL HOME, 500 Lima Avenue, Findlay, Ohio, 45840.  An additional hour of visitation will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 2330 South Main Street, Findlay, OH, on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, from 10:00AM, until the time of a funeral service at 11:00AM, also at the church.  Donations in Carroll's memory may be shared with the First Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Findlay.  Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.kirkpatrickbehnke.com.

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