Carroll Ervin Zollicoffer, Jr. was the firstborn of nine children of the late Grace Ann Scott and Carroll Zollicoffer.  Carroll was born May 12, 1949, in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina.  His family moved to Newsoms, Virginia, in 1953.  Where Carroll, known to the family as Ervin, was soon found toddling after his grandfather, Calvin Zollicoffer.  Carroll loved his granddaddy so much that he once asked a barber to shave the top of his head clean straight down the middle so his haircut could be like Calvin's.

Carroll joined the Air Force in 1967, eventually achieving the highest non-commissioned officer rank of E-9 (Chief Master Sergeant).  He married Joyce Marie Evans in August 1970, and two children, Dionya and Courtney, were born of this union.  Carroll's grandson, Aaron, had the same relationship with him as he had with his grandfather.  Carroll earned a B.S. from Weber State College and a Master's degree from Troy State University.

Although Carroll served his country for 26 years, he had several other professions.  At age 8, he delivered mail. Patrons, including his grandfather, paid him 5 cents per week to pick up their mail from postboxes and deliver it to their homes.  One such patron believed it was such a bargain and encouraged him to raise his fee to 10 cents per week.  When Carroll told his grandfather about the rate increase, Calvin said, "Nah, I'll just go get it myself."  Other jobs included rent collector for his grandfather, delivering dry cleaning, picking cotton, chopping crops, Assistant Manager at Hardees, a Junior ROTC instructor, and a middle school teacher at Norfolk Public Schools.

In August 1993, Carroll and Joyce joined Queen Street Baptist Church.  Carroll's service to the church evolved over the years through a number of church ministries: tutoring, Vacation Bible School, noon-day/chronological Bible study, and Trustee.  His spirit of service extended into the community, delivering Meals on Wheels for 12 years.  In his spare time, he could be found working the daily crossword puzzle, woodworking, conducting household repairs, fishing, and caring for his family.

Throughout his life, he affectionally became known as "Chief Z," "Zollie," and Brother Zollicoffer.  Quick to crack a joke, those in Carroll's company were often found to be laughing.  He was very generous and could be found always helping others.

Carroll is survived by his wife Joyce, daughters Dionya and Courtney, grandson Aaron, sisters Faye Belgrave, Corrine Wilson, Francine Zollicoffer and Donna Jordan (Brian), brothers Ronald, Dennis (Juaria), and Dexter, brother-in-law Darrow Williams, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Shelton.

Viewing will be held from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Sunday, June 25, 2023 at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel.  A Celebration of Life service will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 26, 2023 at Queen Street Baptist Church.  Entombment will be in Hampton Memorial Gardens.