With profound sorrow and abiding faith, we announce thepassing of Clentis Ray McCarroll, 89-years-old Marietta, OK resident who transitioned peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Monday, July 20, 2026, at his home.

Clentis began this life on September 5, 1936, in Ran, OK the son of Atwood and Alice (Newsome) McCarroll. He attended school in Marietta where he graduated from the Douglas High School,Class of 1955. Clentis married the love of his life, Virginia Thurston, on January 17, 1959, in Gainesville, TX. The twocelebrated more than 67 years together.

Clentis served his country in the United States Army. Upon returning from service, he found work with Uniroyal in Ardmore, OK and later retired from Michelin after several years of employment. He wasn’t one to set idly by. So, after retiring, he began driving a school bus for Marietta Public Schools.Clentis also received his bachelor’s degree in Religious Education and served as the pastor of the Bethel Union Missionary Baptist Church for more than 17 years. He also served as Moderator for the New Hope District and had recently been named Moderator Emeritus.

Clentis was well known for his barbeque skills. He spent countless hours behind the pit/grill cooking up feasts for family and friends. He had a servant’s heart, and it was very evident in his willingness to help people in need. Clentis led by faith and example and will be remembered for his committment to his faith and love for his family.

Clentis was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Vernis, William (Bill), Willie James, and Cecil McCarroll; and sisters, Alberta Love, Rosavell McCarroll, Ruby Talley, Lillian Ruff, Johnnie Green, June Frederick, and Gloria McCarroll.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Virginia of the home; sons, Dennis McCarroll and wife Roseanna of Galveston, TX, Michael McCarroll of the home, and Ricardo McCarroll of Ardmore, OK; daughter, Cynthia Carter and husband, Bobby Carter of McDonough, GA; grandchildren, Bobby Carter, Jr. and wife Natalie, Christopher Carter and wife Lilliana, Avery Carter, Vallona Warren, Chante Randall and husband Tyrell, Juwan McCarroll, and Jordan Ellis; 10 great-grandchildren, MaiyanCarter, Kobe Carter, Maasai Carter, Tyrell Randall, Jr., Jacqueline Randall, Elise Randall, Theodore Randall, Jaylin Warren, Malachi Warren, and Gabrielle Warren.

The family will receive visitors at the funeral home from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 29th.

The Homegoing Celebration of Clentis’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, July 30th, at the Eastside Baptist Church in Marietta. Rev. Lawrence Anderson will be the officiant and Rev. Dennis McCarroll will deliver the eulogy. Interment will follow in the Clear View Cemetery in Ardmore at 3:00 p.m.

Services have been entrusted to the Flanagan-Watts Funeral Home in Marietta, OK.