Candidate Biography (submitted by campaign):

Born in Dunn in 1948, Kay is a son of Ervin M. and Vitus Hinton Carroll.  Kay moved to Smithfield where he graduated from high school in 1966.  He graduated from UNC’s School of Pharmacy in 1972 and in 1977 he opened Carroll Pharmacy in Smithfield.  He married Terry Knott in 1968 and they have three children and six grandchildren.  Kay is a member of First Baptist Church Smithfield where he has served as a deacon for over 25 years.

Kay has been a member of the Johnston County Board of Education since 1992 and currently serves as chairman.  In 2007 Kay was named to the All-State Board by the NCSBA.  In 1998, Kay was the recipient of the Small Business Person of the Year award of the Smithfield-Selma Chamber of Commerce.  In 1992, he was recognized as a distinguished citizen by the same group.  In 1989, Kay was the first recipient of the Outstanding Service to Smithfield-Selma High School.  In 1974, Kay was named Smithfield’s Jaycee of the Year.  Kay was the first JCI Senator from this area.  Key currently serves on the Triangle Leadership Academy Board of Advisors and the Smithfield Advisory Board of First Citizens Bank.

He is a member of the N.C. Pharmaceutical Association and a member and past president of the Johnston County Pharmaceutical Association.  Prior affiliations include the Johnston County Education Foundation, Smithfield Rotary Club, Johnston County Industries, Meredith College Board of Associates, and the Johnston County Life-Long Learning Foundation.  Kay has served as president of the following organizations: SSS Advisory Council, SSS Band Backers, SSS Athletic Booster Club, Smithfield Junior High PTA, Dugout Teen Center, and the Smithfield Jaycees.  He also served as a Civitan Little League baseball coach and an Optimist Club football coach.

I have been intimately involved with the issues facing Johnston County and Senate District 12 for the past 15 years.  I understand the growth pressures we face in school funding, the traffic congestion in western Johnston County, and the need to plan for smart growth all around our district.  I am committed to working to make our district a wonderful area to raise a family and establish strong roots.  I believe that, with the help of good citizens, I can take our issues to Raleigh and get more help in addressing our economic and healthcare concerns, our growth opportunities and our public school challenges.  Just as I have worked in Johnston County to improve education these last 15 years, I plan to invest my time and energy working in Raleigh to represent the people of Senate District 12 to the best of my ability.