Dr. Arthur Bertrum “Butch” Carroll III, 74, died Monday, Feb. 20, 2023, at Bethany House Hospice Home in Auburn.
Butch was born Oct. 2, 1948, in Columbus, Georgia, the son of A.B. Carroll Jr. and Vivian Carroll. He had such fond memories of growing up in the small town of Hurtsboro, Alabama, going to Darlington School in Rome, Georgia, and attending Auburn University where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Order. He was the consummate southern gentleman throughout his life.
Upon graduation from Auburn in 1971, Butch received his Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. He completed a residency in pediatric dentistry at Birmingham’s Children’s Hospital.
Butch met his wife, Betty, in a calculus class at Auburn University. They married in Memphis in 1969. They were blessed with two sons in Birmingham and a third son in Montgomery after he opened his practice there in 1977. In 1984, they moved to Auburn and associated with Pediatric Dentistry Associates in Opelika. He was active in his profession, supporting the Drake Clinic at Auburn City Schools and served as president of the Alabama Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. After 35 years of dedication to his many patients, their families, wonderful office staff and partners, he retired in 2012.
Butch loved the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and caretaker of his family’s hunting farm in Macon County. A water lover, he was happiest pulling his pontoon boat out for a sunset cruise on Lake Martin with his family. He enjoyed music throughout his life, playing keyboards and organ in rock and roll bands. He loved ballroom dancing with Betty. He took up writing novels during his retirement.
He had a tender heart, compassion, humility and a gentle spirit. He was a member of Auburn United Methodist Church for 40 years, serving on the administrative board, staff parish committee, and providing dental services on a meaningful mission trip to Panama. He was a lifetime member of the Auburn Alumnae Association.
Butch is survived by his wife Betty; son Graham Carroll (Misty) of Auburn; son Lee Carroll (Lauren) Atlanta, Georgia; son David (Margaret Dillon) Oxford, Mississippi; sister Sarah Whitman (Don) Lakeland, Florida; sister Susan Shiflett (Steve) Auburn; sister Joy Carroll, Auburn; brother-in-law Clifton Kirkpatrick (Diane) Columbus, Indiana. Affectionately called Paw-Paw, he leaves eight grandchildren: Vivian, Davis and Sam Carroll, Atlanta, Georgia; Gaines and Banks Carroll, Auburn; Thomas, Julia and Ann Margaret Carroll, Oxford, Mississippi.
Visitation will be held at 1 at Auburn United Methodist Church preceding the memorial service at 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 24, officiated by the Rev. Charles Cummings.
The family would like to thank Dr. John Abrams and staff along with Hospice Compassus for their care and personal attention. In addition, a heartfelt thank you to the caregivers and special friends who offered their love and support.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions may be sent to:
Hospice Angels at Bethany House
1171 Gatewood Dr. Bldg. 100
Auburn, AL 36830-1829 or Alabama Wildlife Association
3050 Lanark Rd., Millbrook, AL 36054; AWF@alabamawildlife.org