Born July 31, 1939, Carroll was the youngest of eight children raised by John Ephraim Hawkins and Mary Belle Mincey on a tobacco farm in Cedar Grove, where the family home still stands on Hawkins Road. After graduating from Aycock School, he attended Chowan College on a baseball and basketball scholarship before transferring to High Point University to complete his Bachelor’s degree on the GI Bill.

Carroll proudly served his country in the US Navy, then worked as an investigator with Naval Intelligence, years he relived as an avid fan of the TV show “NCIS,” often pointing out where the show got it wrong. Law enforcement suited Carroll’s meticulous nature and dedication to public service. As a Special Agent for US Customs, he took on smugglers, cartels, and organized crime, ultimately serving in the prestigious and challenging role of the US Treasury’s representative to the regional Interagency Task Force ensuring cooperation among federal law enforcement agencies.

After retirement, he returned to his roots, building a home on the Hawkins family farm, where he roamed with his black labrador, Rebel, and focused his boundless energy on gardening and researching his family genealogy. An avid sportsman, he shared his love of boating, fishing, and playing ball with his children and grandchildren, and also worked as a groundskeeper for the Durham Bulls. He enriched the lives of countless friends and family with his generous spirit, deep commitment to service and his faith. Carroll made his solemn profession of faith in the Roman Catholic Church at Easter Vigil in 2024.

He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Rose Mileo-Hawkins, and the children of his first marriage to Ann Hawkins-Viau: Lisa Anne Hawkins (Louis Leitner), Amy Collier (Neal Collier), Jeffrey Hawkins (Amy Wallace), and Gregory Hawkins (Nicole Ardoin), and grandchildren Ryan Collier, Austin Collier, Zach Dolack, Rainey Ardoin-Hawkins, and Ruby Hawkins, and the many descendants of his beloved siblings.

Visitation will occur at Clements Funeral Home in Hillsborough, NC, on Monday, February 24, 2025, from 5–7 PM. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 940 Carmichael Street, Chapel Hill, NC, on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 10:30 AM, followed by a graveside ceremony and reception at Walnut Grove United Methodist Church, 7215 Walnut Grove Church Road, Hurdle Mills, NC, where he was baptized as an infant and confirmed in 1951.

The family appreciates those who have shared their love and support through prayers, cards, visits, calls, and gifts of food. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation.