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“You Didn’t Have To Murder Him” – Wife Remembers Lottery Store Owner
November 7, 2012
A family and a community are mourning the loss of local business owner who was gunned down in his lottery store Tuesday afternoon in Davisville.
Thomas “Tommy” Kroll, 74, was found behind the counter of the State Line O’ Yes Lotto on Highway 97 — one of the top Florida Lottery retailers in the entire state.
“These scumbags killed one of the nicest men you could want to meet He would have given you the money. You didn’t have to murder him, Kathy Kroll, his wife of 44-years said early Wednesday morning. Tommy and Kathy were planning on retiring in about six months to spend time together traveling.
“He helped many people out all the time if they were in need,” she said. “He loved his children and he was so proud of his grandson and granddaughter. They now have been stolen of their years with their love and guidance of grandpa.”
The Krolls had owned the lottery store, located in a bright pink building just yards south of the Alabama state line, for about 11 years. He typically worked there most every day.
Years ago, the Krolls also owned Echo Bowling Lanes in Ensley, located on property that was later sold and eventually became home to Walmart. Tommy always had a love of bowling. He was in the bowling hall of fame and was the first bowler in Pensacola to carry a 205 average, Kathy said.
As word of Tommy Kroll’s murder spread Tuesday afternoon, community members shared fond memories of man that would go out of his way to help someone in need like they were a member of his own family.
“Everyone was touched by Tommy,” she said.
“Please keep our family in your prayers,” Kathy said. “My darling husband, I miss you more than I can say…God bless my sleeping Angel.”
For more about the murder, click here.
Pictured: A K-9 unit searches for a suspect Tuesday afternoon after the murder of a lottery store owner in Davisville. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Comments
27 Responses to ““You Didn’t Have To Murder Him” – Wife Remembers Lottery Store Owner”
I just seen this about Tommy in the newspaper and I could not believe ti. I worked with the Krolls when they owned Echo Bowling Alley forming leagues for them and I also bowled several nights a week there as well. I was so hurt to hear that this happened to two of the nicest people I have ever in my life met. Tommy Kroll was the nicest guy and so much fun to work with and bowl with. I cannot believe this happened, I hope those that did this get the worst punishment possible and thats to good for them. I know that Tommy will be missed so much he was such a family man and such a pillar of his community, this is unbelievable. Hearing this news today really upset me terribly even though I haven’t seen the Krolls in a long time- they were such good people I am so so sorry to hear about this. Tommy Kroll did not have anything but goodness in him and to be taken from his family like this is horrible, To the family I hope God can be with you through this, it has to be almost unbearable.
I DIDN NOT KNOW THAT , MR Kroll sold spice, thats what they said , they wanted I would have given them that . but we never know what we will do when someone sticks a gun in your face . god bless the family.
This man will be missed. He knew me and I feel for his family. A great lost.
to johnny…Son was his Uncle, but yes, this is the same Tommy Kroll
MRS.KATHY ;I STILL CANT BELIEVE THAT MR.TOMMY IS GONE .WE WAS COMING TO GET TICKETS NEXT WED.WE LIVED IN MOBILE ALA .AND WE ALWAYS COMES TO SEE TOMMY EVERY TIME .HE HAS ALWAYS BEEN SO NICE AND SMILING .AND JOKING AROUND WITH EVERY BODY THATS THERE.WE WILL MISS SEEING HIS SMILE WHEN COME THERE .IF KEEP OPEN.PLEASE SEND ME A EMAIL IF GOING TO CLOSE IT OR NOT.THANKS .OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.
Oh my! I’m so sorry for your loss
Is this the Same Tommy Kroll that was raised up around Government and A streets. His dad was Son Kroll.
I keep seeing people say ‘he would have given them the money’ but the other article on here says there was an ‘exchange’ of gunfire. He had a right to defend himself and his store, but he obviously was not just going to give them what they wanted. I say good for him, to stand up and fight, but unfortunately ended with his death. Prayers to the family.
I drove past this shortly after it happend, it gave me the chills when I passed by before I even knew what had happend. I had a feeling it wasn’t good. Such a terrible thing to happen to such a sweet person. The things people KILL others over amazes me. Prayers to his family and especially his wife through this grieving time.
Come on ppl really know what you are talking about before you comment! Yes what he was selling in that store in a drug do I agree with it NO! But this item is NOT illegal in the state of florida the orginal “Spice” was removed and banned from florida the manufacture of this drug revised it and it is now legal again in the state of Florida. You can buy this stuff in other stores, he also sold beer…who knows what these kids were after.
The picture everyone paints of this man is a loving, caring, law-abiding citizen, but I implore you to look at the evidence. The man was selling an illegal substance out of his store, a drug that is known to be harmful. That is hardly law abiding. If you ask me, he was selling drugs out of his store. Would there be this big of an uproar if a drug dealer was killed on the street? No, but he was selling drugs out of his store, so that is the difference. He was looking for a quick buck, just like a drug dealer on the street.
Kathy>I could not believe what Ival Jr. was telling me when he called. What a senseless killing.
I remember tommy best at Echo Lanes
bowling with us and against us. The many Sat. night Scotch Doubles!!
Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. I think of you and EchoLanes and the good times everytime I go by Wal=Mart.
Give your children my love.
Advn Meyer Pensacola
They’ll gete 10 or so years to reflect on this. Then they’ll get the NEEDLE like the Cormier twins and Leonard Gonzalez, Jr. Welcome to the grown-up world, boys.
I just want to say that drugs have, and will continue to take lives. These boys wanted the “spice” bad enough they felt they had to kill to get it. And the stuff is legal. It’s time for law enforcement to stop the production and sale of spice and bath salts, of any kind, regardless of the chemical make up, or change of ingredients. If they don’t do it these tragedies will continue to happen. Lives will continue to be lost. Just for the record, I called the task force myself in Pensacola, about 2 weeks ago, about the sale of spice possibly being sold to minors at a local business, I had to leave a message because there was no answer..all my information was left..and repeated…but despite my request, I received no return call from law enforcement. This leads me to believe they simply don’t care. Maybe when a Senator’s child is affected something will happen..
We are so very sorry for your loss Mrs. Kroll, Mr. Kroll was one of the nicest men I’ve ever met, and will be missed. Our prayers are with all the family and close friends. God Bless
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Tommy while working at the casino he and his wife were frequent visitors and I happen to know that he was one of the nicest most kindest people that you could have ever meet and my heart goes out to you Mrs.Kathy you have my deepest condolences. I am so sorry for your loss!!!
Mr. Tommy was a very sweet and careing man. He was always smileing and laughing when me and my momma went into O Yes Lotto. His wife and family will be in my praers. Mr. Tommy is in a better place now. May God be with you Mrs. Kathy.
Tommy was the best man i have ever know. He will be missed and I will be praying for his family and friends.
Everytime you went into the O Yes Lottery he was smiling. He was such a nice man. My heart, thoughts and prayers go to his wife and family and friends. We will miss seeing him at the Casino also.
Mrs. Kroll My heart goes out to you and your family. Continue to pray and lean and depend on GOD and he will see you thru. My deepest sorrow goes out to you…and to the people that commited such and terrible act…how could you take someones life over something you could had given to you only if you ask. This world has really became such a horrible place. To the family continue to pray and know that Tommy has went home and will have everlasting peace. My family and I will continue to lift you up in our prayers and just remember GOD is always there to heal your pain. My GOD bless you and your family!
We are so sorry for your loss Mrs. Kroll. It’s a shame that someone didn’t think enough of a human life to take one of such a caring, and loving person. Just know that your husband is in a better place, and won’t have to endure more pain here on earth. I know you will miss him dearly, and please lean on your family as your support and see in each and everyone of them the memories that you shared with your husband. May God strengthen you and keep you safe and in his care. Our condolences to you and your family.
Tommy Kroll was like a Dad to me i have worked for Tommy&kathy on and off for 30 years he was a nice and understanding person he would have given these sumbags the money they didnt have to do what they did…im glad they have caught them but nothing will change or bring Tommy back ……Please keep the prays going the family really needs it…………Rest in peace Tommy you will be missed,,,,
So sorry for your loss. Such a senseless act, so selfish
I am so sorry for your loss. May God continue to bless you.
Chris, true words, but this is happening everywhere. Its getting bad even in our “nice little towns” and people are too ignorant to see what is happening to our youth thru such things as songs, peer pressure is a horrible thing when brought with so much ‘bling to kill’ . Prayers are with this family, but my religion stops there, the scumbag I hope goes beyond rotting under the jail.
This is a terrible thing. Our prayers are with the family. Hopefully they will catch the other creep and the state of Florida should not go lightly on their judgement. But no matter what….another judgement day is coming that no one can escape.
Sorry for this family’s loss.
See my comments in the crime statistics story about it (society) crumbling.
This is a good example.
The days of this area being a cozy redneck riviera are over.
I cant wait to move.
10x more LEO’s probably wouldn’t of stopped this.
Have you turned on the nasty rap station and listen to what the gangster wannabes are listening to?