It is with deep sadness and a broken heart that I write this article, in my years of writing I have written tributes and articles about the passing of people in and around the boxing world, but never in a million years could I ever have imagined that I would be paying tribute to my best friend Bob “Scooter” Carroll.
I met Bob about four or five years ago (cannot pinpoint the date because speaking with Bob one hour felt like you knew him an eternity), but I was working publicity for then heavyweight contender Brian Minto when Bob submitted a request to have Minto on his radio show Fightin’ Words Radio. As usual I botched the request so Minto’s manager took care of that, but I began speaking with Bob and he asked me to come on the show with he and Butch. I did so thinking it would be a one time deal and be done with it. But it turned out to be a life changing event that has been going on for several years now.
It was more than a radio show; it was the beginning of a bonding friendship that even death cannot break.
Ok, for the ones who are saying, who is Bob?
No he was not a heavyweight champion, this big time portrait in boxing, but he was one of the best friends that a guy could ever have. A born bread Philly fan that stayed true to his teams win lose or draw. Bob was also a long time fan of the sport of Boxing. His love as well as my passion brought us together, now our opinions on which “America’s Football Team” was, that was a bit different. Bob stayed true to his Philly roots and I stuck with mine as a Dallas Cowboy fan. Man, the debates we would have!
In the years we were friends we drew close, close enough to call each other brothers, and I still call him brother today. Bob began the Fightin’ Words Radio network which has a variety of different shows that cover music and sports, he was the voice of All Hail Hair, and he was the father of Fightin’ Words Radio Network.
In 2009 Bob and I met up in California doing a charity event that Convicted Artist was doing by helping out the La Harbra Boxing Gym. We had so much fun in California; it was a time I will always cherish.
Bob was more than a writer, more than a radio show host, more than just an average Joe. He was a father, a husband, a son, a brother, an uncle, a friend, somebody you could lean on, he was a rock. So learning of his sudden passing 6/18/11 was devastating. Not only did the Carroll family lose a loved one, many people lost a friend, the boxing world lost a great one.
The details of his untimely passing are not of importance, but the celebration of his life. The life of a man that touched so many people with his encouraging words, his smile, his little giggle, he cared about people he was a gentleman and a clown as well, he was all good things that a man could possibly be.
Bob will truly be missed, all though he is no longer here in the flesh he is here in the spirit, God has a good one with him now.
I was going add the thoughts and memories about Bob in this article but I believe it is best to do so by visiting his Tribute Page
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Bob-Scooter-Carroll-Tribute-Page/182008228521089
We say farewell to a friend for now, but not for ever, Go be with God and when it comes our time we shall see you at the pearly gates o heaven.
Viewing will be 6/23/11 and all day 6/24/11 at the Farley Funeral Home in Venice, FL. Mass will be Saturday 6/25/11 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church on Center Road in Venice, FL.
The family requests that donations be made to
Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen
One Hope United
5405 Diplomat Circle
Suite 200
Bradenton, FL
34201
Benny Henderson Jr.
www.convictedartist.com
