Billy Carroll Rials

Billy Carroll Rials, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2024, surrounded by his family. 

The family will receive friends and extended family for visitation from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Sunday, October 20, 2024, and again on Monday, October 21, 2024, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Antioch Baptist Church in the Old Pearl community in Florence, MS, where he faithfully attended and supported. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. followed by internment in Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery at 1198 Old Pearl Rd, Florence, MS 39073. 

Born on October 14, 1946, to UT and Katie Mae [Carlisle] Rials in Hazlehurst, MS. Carroll led a life defined by his love of family, the outdoors, and an unwavering spirit of kindness and generosity.

A man who found true joy in nature, Carroll was an avid outdoorsman who spent every spare moment hunting, fishing, and gardening. He loved to grow vegetables, especially corn. He loved to watch his corn grow and then share it with his family and friends. Whether in the woods or by the water, he was happiest surrounded by wildlife, sharing his love of the natural world with family and friends.

Carroll had a successful career in seismic exploration, affectionately known as “Doodlebugging,” within the oil and gas industry. In his second career, he retired from Eaton Aerospace, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and dedication.

Though accomplished, Carroll was never one to boast. He was a humble and compassionate man, always helping those in need—often without anyone knowing it was him. His quiet acts of kindness touched many lives, and he was deeply loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Carroll was preceded in death by his parents, infant son, brother Gerald Rials, & twin brother Bobby Harroll Rials. 

Carroll is survived by his devoted wife of 32 ½ years, Joanne Ashley Rials; his children, Billy Ted Rials [Kristen]; his children; Danny Jennings, Deandria Jennings & Scott Jennings, sister Jimmie Sue Brock [Albert Ray], sister-in-law Martha Rials, sister-in-law Joyce Ashley, his grandchildren; Katie Mae Rials, Heather Sanford, Courtney Davis, Lindsey Davis, Taylor Jennings, & Danny Ray Jennings, his great-grandchildren; Brycen Sanford, Bentleigh McElroy, Brire Walker, Briley Walker, Grey Sanford, Emery Jennings, Kace Jennings & Olivia Jennings and numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of extended family members and friends. His family was his pride and joy, and his memory will live on through their lives and the lessons of love, humility, and selflessness he passed down to them.