SO/RC/NWA Capt. John Aven Carroll Jr.

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

SO/RC/NWA Capt. John “Johnny” Aven Carroll Jr.

February 1, 1944 – September 6, 2025

 

“FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION” - a saying Johnny had tattooed on his arm the day he and Judy married in 2016………………

 

Johnny began his commercial flying career with Southern Airways 03-05-1973.  He is survived by his wife Judy.  A celebration of life event is being planned for November 1st…please RSVP by message or text (404)626-6226 for details.

PCN memorial site

 

 

Captain John Aven Carroll Jr. (81) passed away peacefully while in the care of AVOW Hospice in Naples with his wife, Judy and his faithful friend “Abby” (soft coat wheaten terrier) in Naples, Florida on September 6, 2025.

 

John is preceded in death by his parents John Aven Carroll Sr. and Elsie Bryant Carroll.

John graduated Headland High in Eastpoint GA in 1960.  John was known by his friends and family as “Johnny”.  Following his graduation from high school, he pursued two years of pre-medical studies in Atlanta.  He soon determined that this was not his area of interest.  He withdrew from pre-med studies and enrolled in Auburn University's Aviation Management program in Alabama.  He completed his studies in 1969, obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management along with Multi-Engine and Single-Engine pilot licenses, as well as the Ground School Instructor License.

 

  He accumulated more than 30,000 hours of flying retiring from Delta. Following several mergers—Northwest merged with Delta, Southern Airways and North Central Airways formed Republic Airlines, and Republic acquired Hughes Air West to expand operations to the west coast.   The final merger, in 1986, Republic merged with Northwest Airlines.

 

John also had an Airframe and Engine Mechanics License and was recognized by FAA with an award for “Master Mechanics License Award for 50 years of working on airplanes”. Beyond his professional achievements, John will be remembered for his integrity, generosity, and devotion. He had an extraordinary memory for life events and you never knew what he might say when you least expected it.

 

While stationed in Atlanta with Southern Airways he and several friends from Southern founded Willow Pond Airport in Fayetteville, GA where he built and resided in a home with a hanger.  Later he joined a partnership and created Hogjowl Airport on Lookout Mountain in Cloudland, GA., He then built a cabin there to call home.

 

John enjoyed a celebrated career and life in avionics.  John was also a collector and loved his toys, airplanes, cars, motorcycles, etc.  He was involved in Blue Grass as a professional bass and harmonica player.  One might say he was well diversified. 

 

He is survived by his wife, Judy Carroll; his stepson, Kevin Nation; and his close companion, Abby. He was known for his friendship and willingness to help others anyway he could.  Up until he passed, he was mentoring young men with futures in aviation.  He is one of a kind and will be missed by many. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

 

There will be a Fly-in/Drive-in/Walk-in Celebration of Johns life at Hogjowl Airport on November 1st. There will be refreshments. Come prepared to share memories and laughter.

 

Gate will open at 10:00AM.  Planning for John to take final flight in his beloved Cessna 195.  Please RSVP by message or text (404)626-6226.