Fred Crocker Jr.'s Obituary
It is with deep sorrow that we share the loss of Fred Crocker, Jr., a loving husband, devoted father, grandfather, and dedicated community member who passed away peacefully at his home on February 15,2025 at the age of 92.
Fred was born in Charlotte, NC to the late Fred Crocker Sr. and Dorothy Huggins Crocker. He was preceded in death by his brother, James Crocker, sister, Betty Williams and brother-in-law, Melvin Williams.
Mr. Crocker is survived by his wife of 72 years, Doris Porter Crocker and sister Martha Smith (Bob); his children, Sandra Crocker Burge (Lee), Dale Crocker Helsabeck, Sharon Crocker Hefner (Bingham) and his beloved grandchildren who called him Daddy Fred are, Shannon Burge Combs (Kevin), Jason Burge (Cindy), Brian Burge (Stacey), Amy Helsabeck Ramsey (Les), Brad Helsabeck (Darlene), Joshua Hefner (Lucinda), Justin Hefner, Hunter Hefner (Heather) and many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Fred retired from Bellsouth after 32 years of service and resided in the beloved community of Long Creek where he was a member of the Masonic Lodge and a member of the Long Creek Optimist Club. He coached Little League baseball, basketball and helped coach the Long Creek women’s softball team along with his favorite partner in life, Doris. Together they supported the North Mecklenburg sports teams and booster club and were known as the number one fans. He also helped recruit softball players for UNC-Charlotte. When he wasn’t involved with community events, he and Maw Maw Doris were playing golf, traveling or cheering for the Tar Heels of NC. His political involvement started around 1964 as the precinct chairman and for many years he helped friends get elected to the senate and sheriff’s department. He had an amazing strong work ethic, and it all started with a shoeshine box that he handmade with his Grandpa Huggins around the age of 10. He shined shoes for 10 cents and sold newspapers on the Naval base in Millington, TN where his father was stationed during WWII. From there in Thomasboro he mowed lawns and delivered groceries for Howard Counts grocery store. After retiring he shared his love for woodworking by building furniture and houses for family and friends. He had many achievements in life, one being named Outstanding Young Men of America in 1965. As a leader in life, he was the Chairman of Oxford Orphanage Center, Boy Scout Leader, Sunday School teacher, President of Men of the Church at Thomasboro Presbyterian church and served as deacon and elder at his church. He also served in the Naval Reserves during the Korean War.
Even though he had many accomplishments outside the home, his main passion was his family and family gatherings. Sunday evenings were his favorite time because there were hamburgers on the grill, ice cream churning and grandkids running around the back yard. Holidays were amazing and he beamed with pride as each of his family walked through the door. Quiet days were working those beautiful roses and if you traveled down Kerns Rd. you had the joy of looking at his 150 rose bushes. Let’s not forget the tomatoes he grew. One slice would cover the entire slice of bread. He definitely had the green thumb as he was a master gardener.
The family would like to thank Beth, Gabby, Marita and Jonathan with hospice for the kind and loving care they gave to daddy.
In lieu of flowers the family requested that donations be sent to VIA Health Partners the Lake Norman Office https://www.viagiving.org/donating
Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m. Saturday, February 22 at Bethel Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. until service time at the church. Committal services will follow at Hopewell Presbyterian Church Cemetery.
James Funeral Home is assisting the family, online condolences may be made at www.jamesfuneralhomelkn.com.
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