Funny, kind-hearted, hard-working, lovable
Brian was a kind-hearted man with an immense amount of love for the people in his life. Everyone knew he was someone they could count on, regardless of the circumstances. He was funny and personable, which made him a joy to be around. Professionally, he was a skilled plumber and construction worker. He took pleasure in setting up computers and stereos and was very adept at fixing things. Brian also enjoyed cleaning and took great pride in keeping his home nice. His other passions included fishing, music, watching wrestling and Auburn games, creating playlists, and a deep love for Star Wars.
Brian was a family man and loved his children, twins Emma Lou and Jayden, and his stepson Braye. Brian and his wife, Amanda, also took in a couple of kids whose parents weren’t around and loved them as their own. Though they lost custody of their children for the last few years of Brian’s life, Amanda frequently reminisces about memories of their family together. One such trip was their family’s first vacation to Panama City, Florida. Emma Lou injured her ankle on the trampoline and could hardly walk, but Brian refused to let this put a damper on their trip and rigged up a cooler for her so that they could push her around. He made sure that she was a part of all the action and didn’t miss out on anything. He even led a swim out to the sandbar to see dolphins (which turned out to be sand sharks).
In 2018, Brian and Amanda graduated from treatment and were married on the same day. Amanda says this was partly so that all their friends could witness something beautiful, “We took something bad and made it good, and I believe till this day that gave them hope. They got to see firsthand that things can and will work out.” Though they both struggled with SUD, they were together for 18 years, and throughout that time, Brian always took care of Amanda, whether it was housing, clothing, or food. She is forever grateful for their time together and wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.
Brian’s disease caused him to act out of character and to push many people out of his life. The pain he carried, trying to cope with life and missing his kids, made him feel like a failure, but he never stopped trying to get better. His addiction affected every area of Brian’s life, and he wanted desperately to stay sober for his children. Shortly before his death, he made amends with his daughter, which meant the world to him. It was Brian’s hope that his family knew how much he loved them, even when he wasn’t around.
Amanda says that losing Brian has reinvigorated her will to stay sober, both for herself and for him. She misses him every moment; he will always be her husband and best friend. She says that struggling with SUD is waking up and fighting for your life every single day and that she hopes people realize that those suffering from this disease are still people. Everyone is somebody’s wife, husband, father, mother, daughter, or brother. More than anything, she misses Brian’s voice, his smile, and his sarcasm.
Brian’s wife, Amanda Carroll, provided the information for this narrative.
January 3, 1982–September 17, 2025–Age 43
Portrait Artist: Jeremy Hebbel
Narrative Writer: Victoria Estes
