WILLIAM CRUSE
May 13, 1923-Sept. 12, 2016
Monday morning, Sept. 12, 2016, William Cruse, 93, LaGrange, moved to his heavenly home while surrounded by his family at Wayne Memorial Hospital.
William was born in Wayne County May 13, 1923, to the late William Joseph Cruse and Mattie Nance Cruse. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Nancy Gray Cruse.
His first and favorite occupation was a farmer, and many of his happiest times were spent atop one of his many prized tractors on the family farm.
He will always be remembered for his love of a good practical joke, whether done to him or by him, as well as his true love of family, friends, life, work and family get-togethers.
William was a true sportsman, who was most comfortable outdoors in the woods fox and rabbit hunting. In his later years, William enjoyed going to Wilber's Barbecue with his wife, Nancy, to enjoy a good plate of barbecue, along with his friends at the family table.
William was a role model, who exhibited a great work ethic for his family and friends to follow. He was loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed.
William shared many wonderful stories and teaching experiences with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was always the first person to respond to anyone in need.
For more than 65 years, William was a member of Clingman Street Church of God, where he was instrumental in many of its ministries.
As a charter member of United in Christ Church, he was a strong stabilizing force in all church operations and functions.
A service remembering the life of William will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016, at United in Christ Church, with the Rev. Ira Williford. Interment will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, 2016, at Wayne Memorial Park.
William will be remembered by his children, JoAnn C. Summerlin and husband, Aldon, Faye C. Williams and husband, Eddie, William Earl Cruse and wife, Mary, and Glenda Cruse Lockerby and husband, Daniel, all of LaGrange; his grandchildren, Daryl Anderson and wife, Shelly, Lisa Carter and husband, Burl, Lynn Watson and husband, Horace, Angie Sutton and husband, Mark, April Brown and husband, Eric, Andrew Lockerby and Danielle Lockerby; and great-grandchildren, Jordan Anderson, Jaxon Anderson, Carlie Carter, Logan Grant, Ava Watson, Courtney Worth, Madison Brown, Garrett Brown and Liam Watson.
William is also survived by his sisters, Evelyn C. Ham of Goldsboro, Jessie Combs of Maryland and Dorothy Sutton of LaGrange; several nieces, nephews and step-grandchildren; as well as some very dear friends.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Alease Mozingo, Peggy Tyson, Landora Lancaster and Beulah Stroud, and brothers, Milton Cruse and Jimmy Cruse.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to United in Christ Church, 1314 Patetown Road, Goldsboro, N.C., 27530.
The family will receive friends Wednesday one hour prior to the service and immediately following the service at United in Christ Church. At other times, the family will be at his home.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on September 13, 2016 10:00 AM