Celebrating the life of
William "Bill" Croom
May 08, 1924 - February 19, 2012
William "Bill" David Croom, Sr., 87, died on February 19, 2012 after an extended illness. Bill loved life and lived it with faith, optimism, and enthusiasm. He had a large extended family and he always enjoyed being surrounded by them.
Bill was predeceased by his parents Archie and Lillian Croom, step-mother Corinne Adams Croom, his first wife Jacquelyn Adams Croom, his brothers Archie and Freddy Croom, his granddaughter Heather Woods, and his step-son Donald Thigpen, Jr.
Bill was born in Dillon, South Carolina on May 8, 1924. He moved to Savannah with his family in 1937. He graduated from the Savannah High School Class of 1943 and immediately was inducted into the Army during World War II. He served in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations and was awarded the Bronze Star for "meritorious achievement in ground operations against the enemy" in 1944. After being discharged from the Army, he began a long career with AT&T and Southern Bell which carried him to Washington D.C., Savannah, and Lilburn, GA until his retirement. While in Washington D.C., he handled the installation of many private phone lines for the Federal Government including NASA and the hot line to Nikita Khruschev in Moscow. Bill graduated from Armstrong State College in 1975 with a degree in Business Management. He was a Lt. Colonel in the Air Force Reserve and was assigned to the Georgia Air National Guard where he retired after 33 years of service. He was a member and past Worshipful Master of Ancient Landmark Lodge No. 231, F.&A.M. in Savannah.
Bill shared many hobbies with his wife, Millie, which included traveling in Europe and camping with her in their RV throughout North America. They shared the interest of being avid ham radio operators and working extensively in the Gwinnett County Republican Party.
He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Mildred Grundmann Croom of Savannah, GA, three daughters, Billie Keller Gregg of Ellabelle, GA, Pamela Traynor Bud of Fairfax, Virginia, and Jennifer Croom of Suwanee, GA, a son, David Croom Wrae of Bethlehem, GA, a brother, Robert Croom Jo of Union City, GA, a step-daughter, Georgia Edwards Richard of Savannah, a step-son, Kirk Thigpen Martha of Douglasville, GA, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren and his beloved dog Rufus.
Graveside services with Masonic and full military honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at Hillcrest Abbey Memorial Park on Wheaton Street with Rev. Robert E. Croom officiating.
The family requests that instead of flowers, memorial donations be made to the The Humane Society of Greater Savannah at 7215 Sallie Mood Drive, Savannah, GA 31406.
Please sign our online guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel
You're in my thoughts--You're in my prayers, Bob, Jo, Kaytlin, Cameron, Millie and the whole family.
- Joan Fulcher, Guyton, GA
To dear Aunt Millie and all the family, we want to say how very sorry we are for your loss. You are all in our prayers. Eternal rest grant to him, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. AMEN.
- The Tommy Thigpen Family, Dawsonville, GA
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. It was an honor to care for Mr. Croom.
- Patty Dixon, , GA
I am very sorry for your loss. My heart and prayers to all of the Croom family.
- Cheri Youmans, Savannah, GA
Dear Croom Family: Please Accept My Sincere Condolences for Your Loss. I worked with Bill at ATT and he was a Wonderful Coworker and Nice Kind Person to Know. Debra Pennington
- Debra Pennington, snellville, GA
Dear Croom Family, Please accept my sincerest condolences for your loss.
- Jay Hall, Savannah, GA
Forever in our hearts. We love you Grandpa - Kelly, Josh, Caitlyn and Shelby.
- Kelly Greek, Hinesville, GA
You will be forever missed and loved Grandpa/Great-Grandpa Croom. Your presence is eternally in our hearts and prayers. - Baby Dylan and Jessica
- Jessica Allean Woods, Ontario, CA
You're in my thoughts--You're in my prayers, Bob, Jo, Kaytlin, Cameron, Millie and the whole family.
- Joan Fulcher, Guyton, GA
To dear Aunt Millie and all the family, we want to say how very sorry we are for your loss. You are all in our prayers. Eternal rest grant to him, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. AMEN.
- The Tommy Thigpen Family, Dawsonville, GA
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. It was an honor to care for Mr. Croom.
- Patty Dixon, , GA
I am very sorry for your loss. My heart and prayers to all of the Croom family.
- Cheri Youmans, Savannah, GA
Dear Croom Family: Please Accept My Sincere Condolences for Your Loss. I worked with Bill at ATT and he was a Wonderful Coworker and Nice Kind Person to Know. Debra Pennington
- Debra Pennington, snellville, GA
Dear Croom Family, Please accept my sincerest condolences for your loss.
- Jay Hall, Savannah, GA
Forever in our hearts. We love you Grandpa - Kelly, Josh, Caitlyn and Shelby.
- Kelly Greek, Hinesville, GA
You will be forever missed and loved Grandpa/Great-Grandpa Croom. Your presence is eternally in our hearts and prayers. - Baby Dylan and Jessica
- Jessica Allean Woods, Ontario, CA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
