Birth Date: 12/30/1943
Deceased Date: 06/08/2017
James Donald “Donny” Crocker, 73, went peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior surrounded by his family on Thursday, June 8, 2017. Donny fought a courageous and faithful 6-month battle with cancer. His prayer for his cancer journey was to walk it with strength and faith and that others would see in his faith in Jesus Christ and be led to Christ themselves. Donny was born in 1943 to the late James Upton and Bertha Denning Crocker on December 30, 1943.
He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Brenda Hinnant Crocker; daughter, Pam Crocker Shadle and husband Jeremy of Washington, NC and son Scott Crocker and wife Sherry of Kinston. He was the proud PaPa to three wonderful grandchildren; Jackson Crocker, Ashlyn Crocker and Anna Shadle. He is also survived by brother and sister in-laws, Larry and Connie Parker of Four Oaks and Howard and Betty Hinnant of Carrollton, VA as well as nieces and nephews that he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Kay and brother-in-law Nelson Jones.
Donny graduated from Pine Level High School in 1962 and married his high-school sweetheart and love of his life, Brenda on February 2, 1963. He was a life-time member of Pine Level Free Will Baptist Church and served as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher and Board of Trustee member for many years. Donny was also a founding Trustee member of the Carolina Bible Institute and Seminary. The Crocker family owned Busy Bee Oil Company and then Little Bee Food Mart from the 1940’s through 1992. Donny bravely changed careers at the age of 48 and joined Williams and Associates as a commercial real estate appraiser where he has practiced as Williams Crocker and Associates until his death. His co-workers and special friends, Marc Jones and John Hatch were a valuable part of his career and our family is grateful for their support.
Donny loved the Lord, his family, his church, his neighbors as well as the Town of Pine Level, where he lived his entire life. He was a member of the Cardinal Country Club and some of his most enjoyable days were spent playing golf with his son, grandson, son-in-law and special weekend golfing buddies. Spending time with his family and following the activities of his children and grandchildren gave he and Brenda the most pleasure. From golf tournaments, to basketball games, to dance recitals, to cheer competitions, and Boy Scout activities. A family highlight was their annual family vacation on Bogue Sound.
The family will receive friends at the home, 303 Rains Crossroads Road in Pine Level. A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 10th at Pine Level Free Will Baptist Church Christian Life Center from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Sunday, June 11th at 3:00 p.m. at Pine Level Free Will Baptist Church and will be officiated by his pastor and friend the Reverend Howard Scott. Graveside service to follow at Crocker Cemetery. Serving the family as pallbearers are: Marc Jones, John Hatch, Randy Jones, Randy Thompson, Chris Mozingo, and Michael Gower.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Donny’s memory to Pine Level Free Will Baptist Church, P.O. Box 337, Pine Level NC 27568 or The Carolina Bible Institute and Seminary, P.O. Box 280, Pine Level NC 27568
Online condolences may be sent to the family at parrishfh.com.
