CARROLL, SAMMIE E., age 97, a resident of Devonia, passed away Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at his home while surrounded by his family. Mr. Carroll was born September 7, 1913 in Anderson County. He was a lifelong resident of Devonia. Sammie was employed as a coal miner for 42 years. He worked at Moores Coal Company, Buffalo Coal, Consolidated Coal, Blue Diamond Coal, and Thompson Coal Company before his retirement. He was a member of the United Mine Workers of America and was the first New River resident to become a UMWA member. He was also a member of Shiloh Baptist Church. Mr. Carroll was a great story teller who enjoyed telling stories of the past and spinning yarns about the old times. He never met a stranger and was loved by everyone. He also enjoyed gardening and canning, hunting, playing his banjo, and singing. He was preceded in death by parents; Lewis and Clarie Byrge Carroll, by wife, Hazel Seiber Carroll , by daughters; Medella Lowe and Rozella Carroll, by a son, James Carroll, by a granddaughter, Regina Foster, by a grandson, Alvin Lowe, by a son-in-law, Reafus Bunch, by brothers; Dan, Hugh, Marion, Wayne, and Howard Carroll, and by sisters; Betsy Morrison and Rachel Blackwell. Sammie is survived by his children; Dolphus Carroll and wife Sue of Wartburg, Willie Carroll and wife Freida of Devonia, Rev. Houston Carroll and wife Joyce of Clinton, Herbie Carroll of Devonia, and Omer Bunch of Petros, by a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, and by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and special friends. The family will receive friends Friday, September 10, 2010 between the hours of 5:00 and 9:00 P.M. at Sharp Funeral Home. Additionally the family will receive friends Saturday, September 11, 2010 between the hours of 12:00 Noon and 2:00 P.M. at Shiloh Baptist Church with the funeral following at 2:00 P.M. with Rev. Lee Phillips and Rev. Murl Phillips officiating. Burial and graveside services will follow at the Phillips Cemetery in Devonia. An online guest book is available for Mr. Carroll at www.sharpfh.com. Sharp Funeral Home of Oliver Springs is in charge of arrangements. [Sharp Funeral Home]