Retired Johnston County Clerk Of Court Will R. Crocker, 86

Will Crocker behind his desk at the Johnston County Clerk of Courts Office in November 2006. Johnston County Report File Photo

SMITHFIELD – Retired Johnston County Clerk of Court Will Rogers Crocker passed away Sunday morning at the SECU Hospice House in Smithfield following a brief illness. Mr. Crocker served as Johnston County Clerk of Court for 37 years.

In 1948, at the age of 12, Will was hired to work at a drive-in movie theatre where the Robbins Nest restaurant is now located. He jokingly remembered part of his job was to prevent people from sneaking in without paying.

Affectionately known as “The Will of the People” Mr. Crocker started his public service career as a court clerk in the Town of Selma. He became an assistant Johnston County court clerk in 1967 and was elected clerk of court in 1977. He retired in 2014.

Will Crocker. Johnston County Report File Photo

In a 2015 interview, Mr. Crocker was asked how he could be so respected by both political parties. He replied, “It does not matter if you are democrat or republican, if you live in my county, then it is my job to take care of you.”

The public may pay respects on Tuesday, March 5 from 9:00am until 4:00pm at Parrish Funeral Home. Funeral services are scheduled for Wednesday, March 6 at 11:00am at Parrish Funeral Home in Selma.

Will Crocker was 86 years old.

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10 COMMENTS

  1. One of the last remaining man of the old Johnston county guard he was a great friend to all rest now Mr Will

  3. During his tenure, there wasn’t a funeral or charity BBQ dinner in Johnston County he missed. The man loved and lived his job 24/7. He was the epitome of a true public servant. Rest in Peace Mr Crocker.

  6. A true servant of the people in Johnston County. Too bad none of the rest are!! Rest in Peace, Mr Crocker. Jobe WELL done!

  7. He truly was a servant of the people. You were right when you said he never meant asked a charity Bar-B-Que. I can remember my grandmother always looked forward to seeing him there. She counted him a friend and someone that worked for all the people, not just a handful of elites. Rest in peace Sir a true Johnston County Patriot.

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