Carroll Ray Allgood, formerly of Austin, Minnesota, died Aug. 28, 2017, in Rice Memorial Hospital, in Willmar, Minnesota. He was born in Brownwood, Texas, on Oct. 3, 1928, the son of Billie and Thelma Allgood. Due to his family’s rather nomadic lifestyle seeking employment and a better way of life, education and experiences came in many ways and in various parts of the country. Carroll recounted attending 23 different schools mainly throughout Texas, Illinois, and Indiana before graduating from high school in Poteet, Texas. He went on to college at Southwest Texas State, San Marcos, before enlisting in the U. S. Marine Corps for six years, three of which were spent serving as an embassy guard in Paris, France.

On June 30, 1954, he married Rosemary Paulson in Ellendale, Minnesota, after which they settled in Austin until they retired in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, in 1990. Carroll had many careers, mostly in retail management but really seemed to enjoy his sideline businesses of sign-making and engraving. He also enjoyed volunteering, family trips, and social activities with the Kings’ Folk group of Crystal Evangelical Free Church. An avid fisherman and accomplished woodworker, Carroll was also gifted in language, speaking fluent French, Spanish, and Tex-Mex slang. Having grown up with very little, he was a collector of sports cards, coins, and stamps. Despite his meager beginnings, Carroll was extremely generous, often saying, “It’s yours” as someone admired one of his prized items.

Carroll’s ever-present companions were his sense of humor, fishing rod and tackle, stories of the one he just caught or the one that got away. His greatest gifts were the love and time he gave us all. Carroll’s generous spirit continued until the end of his earthly life when he donated his body for research to the University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program.

A family memorial service will be held in New London, Minnesota, on Sept. 23.

Carroll is survived by his wife, Rosemary of New London; daughter, Mary (J) Haug of Spicer, Minnesota; son, John (Bev) Allgood of Owatonna, Minnesota; grandchildren, Jared Haug of Portland, Maine, Kari (Brad) Steber of Forest Lake, Minnesota, and Natalie (Steve) Tschopp of Owatonna; great-grandchildren, Leighton, James, and Rylea; brother, Jim (Evelyn) Allgood of Austin; and sister, Billie Scogin of Pleasanton, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Wynnell.