Man who taught thousands of people in Preston and Penwortham to drive has died

Bill Carroll worked as a driving instructor for four decades Pic: Janette Ashby/Blog Preston

Tributes are to be paid following the death of a popular driving instructor from Penwortham.

William Henry Carroll, known as Bill, passed away on February 29 aged 85.

He ran his driving instructor business for more than 40 years helping thousands of people in Penwortham, Preston and beyond to learn to drive during his career.

His daughter, Janette Ashby, told Blog Preston on behalf of his family: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank Lakeland view and all the staff for the amazing care that they gave him, the support that they have given us, and the dignity that they afforded him towards the end of his life.

“Dad, you have been such an amazing Dad and Grandad, as I always used to write in your birthday cards, you are a star, and we all love you very much. You’ll be much missed, but you live on in us, our lovely memories of you, and the amazing example that you set for us all. Thank you for being you.”

Bill pictured with his son Tim and daughters Sarah and Janette Pic: Janette Ashby/Blog Preston

Bill’s early life began growing up in Villier Street, Plungington, brought up by his grandmother.

He passed his 11+, with the highest marks in the city, and attended Preston Grammar School but left with one O’level in English – a sign his daughter Janette said was a sign of his ‘laid back trait’.

He went on to serve in the police force, being stationed at Horwich and was one of the first on the scene when a flight crashed on Winter Hill from the Isle of Man to Manchester. He then went on to serve in Ribbleton.

He left the police force and became a driving instructor in 1973 and continued to work as one until he was in his mid-70s.

Bill was a life-long PNE fan, growing up watching Sir Tom Finney and the Invincibles.

Bill was a caring and kind father, grandfather and great-grandfather Pic: Janette Ashby/Blog Preston

He and his late wife Brenda had four children Janette, Gary, Tim and Sarah. And he was grandfather to fifteen grandchildren Simon, Christopher, Adrian, Patrick, Phillip, Alex, Joseph, Jonathan, Jamie, Lucy, Ben, Abigail, Rosie, Will and Jack and four great-grandchildren Charlie, Farah, Pippa and Zacharayah.

Bill’s funeral will take place on Tuesday (12 March) at 11.15am at Preston Crematorium and all are welcome to attend.

It is family flowers only but donations in his memory will go to the Lakeland View Care Facility where Bill was looked after for more than six years.

Did you know Bill? Feel free to leave your tributes and memories in the comments below

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