Carol Jane Herring Ranson, 84, passed away Monday evening, March 3, 2025.

Born in Anderson, SC, on November 5, 1940, Carol Ranson was the daughter of M.B. and Janie Ruth Herring. She had lovely dark curls, bright hazel eyes, and a wide, infectious smile. She had a happy childhood with cousins and visits to her grandparents' farm. Carol was a caring and protective sister to her younger brother Danny, quick to laugh, and eager to make friends.

After attending business school at Forrest College in Anderson, Carol moved to Jacksonville, FL. She told stories about glamorous jaunts from New York City to Miami while working as a stewardess and model for Seaboard Coast Line Railroad. Some of her favorite memories and oft-enjoyed tales were of living with fun-loving friends in the Villagewood Apartments in Jacksonville. It was through these friends that she met ridiculous daredevil pilot Bill Ranson. He fell for her determination and beauty, and she thought he was the most fun person she had ever met. They married on December 12, 1970. She was a loving wife and companion to Bill for 50 years before he passed away.

Carol had a keen and curious sense of adventure and reveled in the travels to Singapore and Hong Kong as well as life in Germany, Spain, and many parts of the U.S. during Bill's career in the Navy. She greatly valued the kinship and support she felt among Navy families for her entire life.

Carol was a fiercely loyal and affectionate mother to her two daughters, Beth and Anne. The four Ransons were a close and quirky quartet, no matter where they went. They enjoyed weekend outings and vacations to Disney or the mountains, and Carol was committed to all the hours of planning that made every Christmas and birthday magical for her family. She never missed a daughter's school or sporting event from grade school to college. She played hilarious pranks, helped with homework, told funny stories, encouraged her girls when they were sad, and was a model of strength, goodness, humor, and confidence to them both.

Carol adored her two sons-in-law and two grandsons. She would spend hours reading picture books and cuddling with her grandsons when they were little. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Pensacola for many years, finding much meaning in services and events there. She found joy in children, hydrangeas and azaleas, friendly animals, good food, and intriguing mystery stories. She made the world's best Thanksgiving cornbread dressing.

Carol passed away peacefully, believing that the love of God and her family transcends the boundaries of life and that beauty, healing, and reunion will be hers in the hereafter.

She is preceded by her husband, Bill Ranson.

She survived by her daughters, Anne Duncan (Scott) and Elizabeth Callaway (Christopher); grandsons, Benjamin and Edward; and a brother, Danny Herring (Maripat).

A Visitation will be held 9:30am until a police escorted funeral cortege departs at 10:30am sharp on Friday, March 14, 2025, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel. A Graveside Service will follow at 11:00am at Barrancas National Cemetery, with Dr. James Callaway officiating.

Donations may be made in Carol's name to the National Naval Aviation Museum or First Baptist Church of Pensacola.

Carol's family extends their gratitude to her special friends during her final days: Dennis, Jean, Judy, Wendy, and Aryanna.