Charles Farrell Crocker

August 19, at the age of 90, Charles Farrell Crocker slipped from this earthly life into his eternal home held in reserve for him for decades. From humble beginnings and numerous obstacles before him, he rose to the top of his profession as one of the most respected church musicians in the Baptist world. Though he had a conspicuous gift of music at an early age, when he felt called to Christian ministry at that time (the 40s) he could only imagine that meant to be a preacher. God placed people in his life to help him see the possibility of being a minister of music. Against all odds, he sought training at Southern Seminary and through faithfulness, hard work and bountiful blessings from God, Charles became one of the best, serving churches in SC, GA, TN and NC. He retired from First Baptist Church, Asheville in 1997 after 29 years of service there.

Numerous lives have been touched by Charles’ example of Christian service. Music was not just to be sung, but to be presented in such a way as to “paint the picture” of God’s love and grace through Jesus Christ. He taught that singing is like giving a testimony, and through the work of the Holy Spirit, the message is received well. Nothing pleased Charles more than to see a person gifted in music reach their potential in praising God whether as a soloist, member of an ensemble or a packed choir loft. He saw himself as a minister first and musician second and made sure the music ministry enhanced the effectiveness of the church and the priorities of the Kingdom.

He authored two books—Children Can Learn to Sing! (1978) and an autobiography To God Be the Glory (2013).

Predeceased for Charles are his father and mother, L.F. and Carrie Crocker of Rock Hill, SC, his sister Ellen of Glendale, SC, brothers Earl of Charlotte and Dean of Rock Hill. He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Mae Steele Crocker, children David Crocker (and Brenda) of Lenoir City, TN, Donna (and Scott) Gesell of Durham, NC, and Judi (and Bill) Willard of Swannanoa, NC, grandchildren Andy Crocker and wife Beth of Madison, AL, Emily Lisi and husband Matt of Winston-Salem, NC, Amy Gesell of Durham, NC, Tony Gesell and wife Stacy of Wilson, NC, Jessie Meriwether and husband Chris of Greensboro, NC, Mitchell Karriker of Marion, NC, and 11 great grandchildren—Drew and Katie Crocker, Asher and Micah Lisi, Landon, Kaley and Mason Gesell, Kenzie Gesell, Everest, Eden and Hazel Meriwether.

The family expresses their sincere gratitude and appreciation to the medical staff at the Asheville Specialty Hospital for their attentive, compassionate, professional care of Charles during his lengthy stay there.

The celebration of Charles’ life will take place at First Baptist Church, Asheville at 3 PM Tuesday, August 23, with visitation at 2:00 in the sanctuary. Burial and graveside service will be on Wednesday, August 24, at Laurelwood Cemetery in Rock Hill, SC at 2 PM.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the American Diabetes Association.