T. Atlee Crooke
December 18, 1918 ~ June 22, 2009
Resided in:
Candler, NC
Asheville Butterfly Trail
T. ATLEE CROOKE
Thomas Atlee Crooke, 90, of Candler, died Monday, June 22, 2009.
Mr. Crooke was a native of Haywood County and was a son of the late James and Lura Huggins Crooke. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Mary Mason and Pauline Page and two brothers, Devell Crooke and Hugh Crooke.
He played baseball with the St. Louis Cardinals before being called into the military. He was an Army veteran of WW II, where he served under General Patton and participated in the Battle of the Bulge, and also served in the Korean War. He was retired after 30 years as a mechanic with the NC Department of Transportation.
Mr. Crooke was a member, Sunday School Superintendent and deacon at Starnes Cove Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dorothy Metcalf Crooke; one son, Bart Crooke and his wife, Sheila, of Candler; three grandchildren, Seth Crooke and his wife, Elizabeth, Jason Worley and his wife, Sarah, and Josh Worley and his wife, Myra; and three great-grandchildren for whom Atlee had special love, Colton Crooke, Jonas Atlee Worley and Ryder Worley; one sister, Kate Hames of Woodruff and a sister-in-law, Mildred Crooke.
Funeral services will be at 3:00 p.m. Thursday at Starnes Cove Baptist Church with the Rev. Charles Sams officiating. Interment will follow at Pisgah View Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Starnes Cove Baptist Church, 149 Starnes Cove Road, Asheville, NC 28806.
Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue is assisting with the arrangements.
I am so very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you.
Mr. Crooke, as well as Mrs. Crooke, were both very kind to me as a child growing up. My family appreciated having them as neighbors and friends. Our prayers will be with you.
Bart and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. May God give you peace and comfort at this time as only he can.
Brenda Wilson and Family
Bart & Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Atlee was so much fun to be around. We always enjoyed being invited to functions by Russell & Rena when we knew Atlee & Dot were going to be there. He was always willing to jump-in & help, weather it was moving or cutting & passing out cake. Please know that you & your family are in our thoughts & prayers.
God Bless,
Ray & Linda Merrill
I was fortunate enough to coach ‘against’ Atlee in Buncombe Baptist League circles back in the 70s and 80s. He coached the women’s team at Starnes Cove and I coached the men’s team at Grace Baptist and I always looked forward to seeing Atlee at those games. He always greeted me with a big smile and a hearty handshake and I will always remember his Christlike attitude he displayed on the softball field. A testiment to his Christlike humility: I never knew that he played professional baseball until I read the obit today. I shall miss him.
I have had the honor working with Tom since 1978, when he was our shop superviosr for the Asheville Shop. He was always very helpful in showing us the proper way of doing our job, and making us feel like part of the team. Tom will be missed, and our Equipment Department will loose a special person who was always very faithfull. May God go with you and your family and give you confort.
Dearest Dot, Bart and Family!
We are all so sorry for your loss but we know that Daddy and Atlee are having the time of their lives together again! Two better men could never be found!
Cindy Hollifield, Steve and Linda Smith
snake, sue, and children would like to send our deepest and sincerest prayers and thoughts to the whole crooke family. he will be greatly missed by all.
Though no words can begin to ease your sorrow, may it help to know your loved one will always hold a special place in our hearts. Jay and Laoda
My thoughts and prayers are with your lovely family today.
Dot, Bart and Family: Our hearts go out to you in the loss of your loved one. Atlee was one of the finest men that we have known and a true servant of God.
Robert & Leta Dover
Crooke Family,
So sorry to learn about Mr.Crooke, I know he was loved by his family and greatly respected by all who knew him. My prayers are with you.
Nancy Plemmons Galyean (Mary & Mitch’s daughter)
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember Mr. Crooke from my childhood when he worked with my grandmother at the highway dept. I would see him there alot and enjoyed the Christmas dinners there. Then through church softball was able to stay in touch with him. He was such a kind and gentle man. Heaven is a little sweeter now.
God bless each of you during this time of loss and grief.