Clay Carroll May 23, 1988-August 17, 2026 

Clay Carroll, 38 of Russellville, went to be with the Lord on August 17, 2026. He was born May 23, 1988 in Little Rock, AR to Brian and Dawne Carroll. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Charles and Sybil Carroll and his maternal grandparents, Fred Miller and Nita Miller Moore, and Don Moore. Clay was a loving son and brother, faithful husband, devoted father, fun uncle, and loyal friend. He was a graduate of Arkansas Tech University (2010) and received his masters degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (2015). After graduation, Clay and his wife, Bekah, moved back to North Little Rock where they started a family and he served as a bi-vocational pastor. He eventually returned to NOBTS where he worked as the Alumni Director while also serving at his local church. His life was marked by ministry—from mission trips to pastoring, discipling younger men, leading small groups, sharing the gospel, and most importantly, shepherding his family. Clay always loved being active, whether it was a 6:00 am running club, playing baseball, disc golf, flag football, or a pick-up basketball game. This was one of his favorite ways to connect with people. He loved hiking with his family, working with his hands, and was always quick to meet needs of others. When his 3 year battle with cancer made many of these things too difficult, he never complained or wasted precious time in self-pity, but instead spent his time writing letters of encouragement, reading books to his kids, investing in friends, and always loved finding perfect gifts for people he loved. Aside from his fierce loyalty to mediocre sports teams (the Razorbacks, Cardinals, and Cowboys), he will be remembered for his determination, sense of humor, love of people, and faithfulness to the Lord. He is survived by his wife, Bekah, their four children, Eli, Lydia, Eden, and Judson; his parents, Brian and Dawne Carroll; siblings Ted (Mindy) Carroll, Micah (Daniel) Wiginton, and Cate Crosland; his in-laws, Mike and Paige McCarley, brothers and sisters-in-law, Jon (Emma) McCarley, Katie (Ryan) Warren, Daniel (Sadie) McCarley, 16 nieces and nephews and countless friends. There will be a graveside service at 9:30A.M., Friday, August 21, 2026 at Knoxville Cemetery in Knoxville, Arkansas. Visitation will be held Friday from 1:00P.M. to 3:00P.M. at Park Hill Baptist Church. Clay’s homegoing service will begin at 3:00P.M.

Pallbearers will be Brian Carroll, Ted Carroll, Morgan Garner, Zach Clawson, Daniel Wiginton, Jon McCarley, Daniel McCarley and Ryan Warren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Clay Carroll Memorial Fund at First State Bank in Russellville, Arkansas. “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12

Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home in Dardanelle. Online Guest Book and Condolences at www.cornwellfuneralhomes.com