Born on March 30, 1924 in Richmond, VA, Carroll Benjamin Durrer left this life on November 22, 2017. He was preceded in death by his wife, Martha L. Nunnally Durrer. He is survived by his three daughters, Carrollane, Cathy, and Terri from the Richmond area, along with 7 grandchildren, including Todd Durrer of Mississippi, one dear to his heart, and 11 great grandchildren. His family in the Northern Neck includes Dianne and Larry Thorn, Becki and Chuck Patterson and Cheryl Nunnally along with his many friends from The Orchard.

Carroll attended Chester High School (now Thomas Dale). He joined the Navy in 1942 and served until 1946. He attended Smithdale Massey Business College for four years. His work career, primarily in electronics and appliance repair, included Sears, Lowe’s and Zenith where he worked for 28 years. During his career in electronics, he also was co-author for a few books on electronics.

Carroll loved music and played on WM89 with an on-air group. He was proficient with all stringed instruments. His passion for music carried on even while in a local independent living facility and most recently, at the Orchard. There he organized a music group and played regularly until the time of his passing.

Fixing anything that was broken was Carroll’s mantra and he accomplished just that. He could repair anything, or invent a workable part to all electronics. He lent his services to the facility, the staff and members of the community.

Carroll’s presence changed the culture within the resident community of the Orchard. Although his body was frail, he was sharp of mind. He invited others to join him, not only in music but in other activities. He worked 1000 plus piece puzzles and enticed other residents to join in on it. Many responded who had not done so before. He built strong relationships with both residence and staff. That was evidenced by the large host of people weeping as they filed through to say farewell.

His attitude was most often of an optimistic nature. He always had a mindset that saw the world in a positive manner. In spite of the many changes that came with aging, he seemed to make the best of all that came his way.

Carroll married Martha in his senior years and cared well for her at the end of her life. He said that he always loved her as they were close childhood neighbors.

Carroll Durrer will be missed by many. Now he is in God’s hands.

A informal service to honor Carroll will be held at The Orchard in Warsaw on Sunday December 3 at 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to The Orchard Activities Fund or Riverside Hospice.

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