William Floyd (Billy) Crocker

Wilmington - Billy Crocker, 89, passed away on Saturday, September 8, 2018. Born in Raleigh July 6, 1929, he was the son of the late Robert Lafar and Mary Riggsbee Crocker. His brother, Bobby Crocker and sister, Betty Ray also preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of 48 years Susan Danaher Crocker; children Dr. Robert Orr Crocker (Mieko), of Knoxville, Tenn. Patricia Forrest Crocker; and William Floyd Crocker, Jr. both of Raleigh; grandchildren Dr. Mari Crocker McCall (Adam) and Jeremy Farrill (Brittany); and great granddaughter Ruby Farrill. Billy graduated from Needham Broughton High School in 1949. He enjoyed playing high school football and baseball serving as Captain of the football team in 1947. That same year he was selected to be on the Greensboro Daily News ALL State Football Team and won the Harry Porter Batting Trophy in baseball. Billy’s law enforcement career began in 1953 when he joined the Raleigh Police Department. While on the Department he attended the Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville completing their Police Management Course. He was selected Officer of the Year in 1957 and rose to the rank of Lieutenant before leaving in 1965 to join the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation as a Field Agent. In the later part of 1969, he became Chief of Police in Henderson. In 1970, he received the Henderson Jaycees’ Community Service Award. After returning to Raleigh in 1972, Billy continued to work with local law enforcement agencies as a member of the Governor’s Highway Safety Program. He was serving as Chief Investigator with the Department of Insurance when he retired from State Government in 1987. In 2005, he moved to the Wilmington area to be closer to the coast. Billy was a member of First Baptist Wilmington and the Wells Sunday School Class. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, September 12, at 2 pm at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 831 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, NC. Dr. Jim Everette, Associate Pastor, First Baptist Wilmington will officiate. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service at the funeral home from 1 until 1:45 PM. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Bereavement Fund, 411 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28401.