Taylor County Court at Law #2 Judge Sam Carroll passes away

ABILENE, Texas - Taylor County Court at Law #2 Judge Sam Carroll passed away Thursday morning, 12 days after he was seriously injured in a biking accident.

Family friend Joy Ellinger made the announcement on her Facebook page.

"Judge Sam Carroll passed away peacefully this morning and now living with our Lord and Savior," Ellinger said.

Carroll was injured in a biking accident during the Tour de Gap race on July 25.

Friends of Carroll's, like Judge Robert Harper, said Carroll's death was a heartbreaking loss for the community.

"It's devastating," Harper said fighting back tears.

"He was a great man and a great friend."

Carroll spent the majority of his life serving others -- he was a decorated Vietnam veteran and he served many years as a county prosecutor.

"He was an advocate for the rights of veterans," Taylor County Commissioner Chuck Statler said. "He and I worked together to establish the veterans docket for first time offenders."

Judge Thomas Wheeler said although Carroll had many accolades, he remained a humble man.

"The accomplishments during his military career were very impressive, but when you talked to him, Sam didn't ride on those," Wheeler said. "Of course he was proud of his military service, but he didn't talk about it in a [boastful manner]."

Funeral arrangements have been made with Hamil Funeral Home.