Homer Hickam official Web site - October Sky/Rocket Boys, The Keeper's Son.

Red Carroll is the father of Rocket Boy Jimmy "O'Dell" Carroll. Red was born in Coalwood WV and has lived there all his life. He has five sons and one daughter. Red worked on the tipple in Coalwood for 16 1/2 years. When the tipple was shut down in 1954, he applied for and got the job of Coalwoodąs garbage man where he worked for 33 years. He was once called Santa Claus because whatever you wanted, he could find (which came in handy sometimes, especially when the Rocket Boys needed something!).

Red is retired now but is still very active. He enjoys hunting, gardening, and growing his beloved dahlias. But his favorite past time is meeting new people and giving them tours of the Rocket Boys' old stomping grounds and sharing their little anecdotes. If you come to visit Coalwood, please ask for him at the Country Corner Store.