William Carroll Marsalis, 84, passed away Friday November 19, 2021, after a lengthy struggle with cancer. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Betty Jo Harrington Marsalis. Other survivors include their three children: Melody Marshall Price (Dr. David), of Buies Creek, NC; Peter Harrington Marsalis (Amy) of Pittsburgh, PA; and Christopher Anders Marsalis (Joyce) of Harriman, TN. He was the grandfather of five granddaughters: Lee Price, Mollie Cannady, Eden Marsalis, Reese Marsalis, and Halle Marsalis; one grandson: Marshall Price; and two great-grandchildren Temple and Palmer Cannady.

Carroll was the youngest child of Earl Elijah and Nina Anders Marsalis of Liberty, Mississippi. He was preceded in death by three siblings.

Marsalis was educated in the Liberty public schools, Mississippi College, the University of Mississippi, and Auburn University. In addition, he completed extensive postgraduate work in multidisciplinary fields. He is the author of four books and a contributor to a number of others. He published numerous professional articles and was the principal write for dozens of corporate papers.

His career was a blend of academia and futuristic trend forecasting in the technical, business, and economic world. He was considered an authority in several fields. He was the founder of the National Institute for Technology Training, co-founder of the National Coalition of Advanced Technology Centers, and architect of the National Model for Technical Career Development. His research included benchmarking selected international industries for replication in America. He was a professor, dean, and corporate manager.

He and his wife have been long-time members of Lillington Baptist Church. Carroll was a witnessing born-again Christian. He loved the Lord and was a teacher for the Simmons Bible Class for many years. In lieu of flowers, remembrance contributions can be made to FRIENDS FIGHTING CANCER, INC., 321 Cambridge Cr., Dunn, NC 28344 or online at http://friendsfightingcancerharnett.org/ .

A private burial will be observed.