Robert Radford Croy, 89, passed away Monday morning, July 21, 2014, in Athens.
He was born on August 10, 1924, in Pomeroy, Ohio, the son of the late Frank and Dorothy Croy.
The majority of the Croy family worked in the lumber industry in rural South Ohio, but his family was forced to relocate to the city as a result of the great depression. Mr. Croy graduated from high school in Columbus, Ohio and entered the military during World War II. He served in the Army Air Corps as a bombardier on B-17s and subsequently crewed on B-29s during the Korean War. He attended Ohio State University and majored in Agriculture/Poultry Science. Between his service in World War II and the Korean War, he married the love of his life, Joyce Price Croy, who predeceased him almost exactly one year ago.
After completing his military service, Mr. Croy went to work in the poultry industry for the next 35 years of his life and was honored to be elected president of the Georgia Poultry Association. Towards the end of his career he was fortunate enough to work for Tatum Farms and circle the globe several times while selling American poultry breeds and knowledge to the emerging economies of the world. Family was the only thing Mr. Croy loved more than flying and fast cars.
Survivors include a daughter, Joan Croy Grant (Chip), Hull; sons, Kenneth Raymond Croy (Judy), Marietta, and Jon William Croy (Bobbi), Elon, N.C.; a brother, Otis Croy, Chicago, Ill.; and sister, Ann Alban, Fort Wayne, Ind. Also touched by his death are his in-laws, Dr. Jim and Carol Pruett, and nieces, Pam (Mike) Ouzts and Kim (Ray) Kuckleburg. He was especially dedicated to his four grandchildren, Amanda Rae Croy, Isaac Robert Croy, Keriann Croy, and Mclaren Croy.
Mr. Croy had planned to host his family for his 90th birthday party in the mountains of North Georgia. Instead, the family will honor him by holding a wake at that location on the same weekend. A memorial service will be held at St. Barnabas Anglican Church, 4795 North Peachtree Rd., Dunwoody GA 30338, at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 11. Mr. and Mrs. Croy will be interred together at Floral Hills Memorial Garden later that day.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made to St. Barnabas Anglican Church or your favorite charity.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com