Eliard Gray Croom
July 12, 1930 - November 10, 2019
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Obituary For Eliard Gray Croom
Eliard G. Croom, Jr. Eliard G. Croom, 89, a retired teacher of vocational education and industrial arts in Roanoke Rapids, NC, died November 10, 2019 in Raleigh, NC. A 30 year resident of Roanoke Rapids, he had lived at Lake Gaston, NC, for the last 33 years.
Mr. Croom was born and raised in Rocky Mount, NC. He was educated in Rocky Mount Public Schools and graduated from East Carolina University. During his young life, he worked various jobs in family business and farming. After college, Mr. Croom taught for 30 years at Roanoke Rapids High School, where he oversaw the Industrial Arts and Vocational Education program. Early in his career at RRHS, he taught the trades of machine shop, small gasoline engines, cabinet making, electricity, arts & crafts, welding and drafting. The later part of his career was spent directing the school's Industrial Cooperative Training program: teaching job skills to students, helping them find jobs and following up on their job performance. During his tenure at Roanoke Rapids High School, he taught multiple generations of students, many of whom began their careers locally.
Mr. Croom lived a full life – as a young man, he was a scuba diver, built dune buggies, rode motorcycles, enjoyed wood working and, helped his young daughter in rehabilitating baby squirrels and any other animal she brought home. Mid-life, he looked forward to camping in mountains, spending summers at Emerald Isle with his wife and daughter, and after retirement, enjoying boating and fishing on Lake Gaston, and participating in his hobby of amateur radios.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Angie Croom of Lake Gaston; a daughter, Kim Croom and son-in-law, Jim Tarantino of Raleigh, NC; brother-in-law Tony Lamm and his wife, Kathey of Manteo, NC; sister-in-law, Sandy Lamm of Pleasant Garden, NC, as well as nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Eliard G. Croom, Sr., and Nellie H. Croom of Rocky Mount, NC; brother, Lester Croom and wife, Joyce of White Lake, NC; sister, Betty Hawkins and husband, Frank of Nokesville, VA; beloved brother-in-law, Larry Lamm of Pleasant Garden, NC.
Graveside services will be held November 13, 2019 at 2:00pm, 7613 Upper Black Creek Church Road, Lucama, NC 27851
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to The Upper Black Creek Church Cemetery Fund c/o Sandra Murray at 6608 Blacklock Road, Lucama, NC 27851
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02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
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Condolences
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September 01, 2020
Were we not the luckiest to have such a good neighborhood to grow up in? I wouldn't trade it for anything! Our families sure enjoyed each other.....making homemade ice cream in the summer, playing badminton until we could hardly swing the racket one more time, visiting in the backyard while raking leaves, and me and Susan eating (the very best) brownies you had for us after school. It really was a special time. I'm glad we all had each other.
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September 01, 2020
Thank you, Naomi.
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September 01, 2020
We sure do appreciate your kind words and good memories.
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September 01, 2020
My deepest sympathy! Thought the world of Kim when we went to school together! Lisa Wade Hunsucker
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September 01, 2020
Mr. Croom was one of my favorite teachers as a student at RRHS. He genuinely cared about his students, was a great mentor and had a wonderful sense of humor. I am so sorry to hear of his passing, My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Croom's family at this difficult time.
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September 01, 2020
Kim, your dad had one of the best senses of humor in the world, and he was also so supportive of all his colleagues. My years teaching at RRHS are some of my fondest memories because of him and you. I hope you are well and that you know how much difference you and your dad have made!:yellow_heart::yellow_heart:
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September 01, 2020
So long good fellow you have crossed the bar and met your Pilot. A good neighbor and teacher,
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September 01, 2020
My deepest sympathy,
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September 01, 2020
Angie and Kim, I was deeply saddened to learn of Bubba's passing on Sunday. But when I began to think of memories we shared from our days as back door neighbors, I realized how fortunate we were to share fun times and sad times. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Judith Clary
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September 01, 2020
Lit a candle in memory of Eliard Gray Croom
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September 01, 2020
My best thoughts of croom has been of his live for Dairy Queen ice cream Faye and Clayton Williamson
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September 01, 2020
How sweet to read this from you! Dad lived such a full life...he bought a lot of fun to "the old neighborhood." Dad was comfortable in the thought of meeting his pilot. He crossed over to his eternal home as a man with no regrets and a life well lived.
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September 01, 2020
Your words have touched mine and Mom's hearts! You just don't know how much they helps us and we are so appreciative. Dad kept his humor right up through his last days. How lucky we all are to have those precious memories.
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September 01, 2020
He would be so pleased to hear that he ranked that high on your favorites list! He enjoyed his students and their turning the classroom knowledge into real life experiences. Thank you for sharing this with us. It means a lot.
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September 01, 2020
Thank you both. He will be so missed!
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September 01, 2020
Dad though a Dairy Queen blizzard was heaven in a cup!
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September 01, 2020
Thank you Lisa! The feeling is mutual. Please check your FB messanger.
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September 01, 2020
Mrs. Croom and Kim- He was such a sweet man and always had a smile for everyone. So sorry for your loss. Sheree Laws Nicholl
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September 01, 2020
Angie, you and your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry for your loss and hope that your faith brings you comfort......Steve and Teresa
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