Carroll E. Eppley, Major, USAF (Retired)

March 13, 1933 – May 23, 2004

Carroll E. “Epp” Eppley, 71, died Sunday, May 23, 2004, at his home in Sparks, Nevada. Military services were Tuesday at Veterans Cemetery, Fernley, Nevada.

He was born March 13, 1933, to Arnold R. and Alberta Harriett (Collar) Eppley near Shell Knob, Mo. He graduated from Monett, Mo., High School in 1951.

After graduation he worked for the Frisco Railroad as a telegraph operator and was also a ham operator.

In 1951 he enlisted in the Army National Guard and was later selected for Officer Candidate School, after which he enlisted in the Air Force and went to navigation school in Lackland, Texas. He served as a navigator on C-124 Globemaster cargo aircraft. He took pilot training and flew the C-124s in Georgia. He later piloted C-141 Starlifter heavy cargo aircraft and served in Vietnam for four tours of duty. After he returned to America, he trained to fly H-3 Jolly Green Giant and the UH-1 helicopters. He achieved the rank of major.

Carroll went on to retire in Reno, NV., where he spent the rest of his life. While in Northern Nevada he started a small business with his son and youngest daughter and was employed with Washoe County School District in the servicing and repair of all the audio-visual equipment.

Carroll was blessed to have had many people in his life where he was always there for a good word and a kind touch. He was a father, grandfather, teacher and mentor to so many people. He will be missed dearly by all who loved him. He truly is flying with angels now.

He married Patricia A. Shelley in Georgia. Survivors include one son, David Eppley of Sparks; three daughters, Peggy E. Terhune, Santa Rosa, Calif., Betty A. Tilbrook, Yreka, Calif., and Debbie J. Nelson, Banning, Calif.; two sisters, Donna Callis, Monett, and Olive Buehler, Wellsville; and eight grandchildren. Arrangements are under the direction of Northern Nevada Memorial Cremation and Burial Society, 10101 S. Virginia St., Reno, NV.