MICHAEL FRANCIS CARROLL
1946-2024
Michael Francis Carroll, 77, passed away on Jan. 6, 2024, in Bakersfield, Calif., after fighting multiple illnesses over the last few years. Mike was born on May 25, 1946 in the town of Compton, Calif. He leaves behind his wife, Susan Carroll; his son, Mark; daughter-in-law, Leslie; granddaughters Elyse and Sophia; and many cousins and nieces. Mike is preceded in death by his father, William, and mother, Gerry. three children, grew up in Compton, Calif. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Loyola Marymount University, where he played on the university basketball team and worked his way through college working at TRW.
In 1969, Mike started a long and successful career in education at Jacobson Jr. High School where he taught math and social studies, coached baseball and officiated football and basketball games. In the ’80s, Mike transferred to Tehachapi High School where he taught social studies and coached varsity football, girl’s basketball and girl’s tennis. Later, drawing on his sports knowledge and computer skills, he became an outstanding athletic director. Mike finished his career teaching computer skills to colleagues.
Mike believed in living every second of every day. He met the love of his life, Sue, on a golf date and together traveled the world visiting Cancun, the Galápagos Islands, Grenada, Turkey, Europe, Australia, and many other locations. They enjoyed sailing and often chartered catamarans where they met other adventurers and often included family and friends.
In retirement, on his 10acre farm in Hart Flat, it was common for Mike to work from sunrise to sunset using his bobcat machine to build miles of fences and roads. He also built houses with his friends and owned a boat. His hobbies included golf, tennis, pickleball, corn hole and traveling. Mike and Sue even competed at the National Pickleball tournament. Mike had a tennis court built at their home which they enjoyed with friends for years. Once a month, for 30 years, Mike and friends played poker in his manspace built over the garage.
Mike will be missed by countless friends and family members. He touched many lives and helped many students. He was also generous and would do anything for a friend in need.
Memorial services are scheduled at Greenlawn Funeral Home at 3700 River Blvd., Bakersfield, Calif. on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024 at 2 p.m. Following the service is a reception at 3 p.m. at Bakersfield Country Club.
Flowers can be sent to either location if you’d like. Charitable donations can be made to The Mission at Kern County, if desired.