Dr. Jack Russell Crosby

Dr. Jack Russell Crosby, age 85, recently of Atlanta, formerly of Cornelia, Georgia passed away peacefully on Monday, October 18, 2010.


Dr. Crosby was born in Marlowe, Oklahoma on January 17, 1925, he was reared in Berryville, Arkansas. Dr. Crosby was the son of the late Pete Stephen and Blanche Percival Crosby. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Jimmy Crosby. Dr. Crosby attended and played football for Colorado Springs College. He later completed his Bachelor of Science and Master of Education degree from the University of Georgia where he was a member of Phi Delta Kappa. Dr. Crosby served in the Marines during World War II and the Korean War and was distinguished with military honors throughout his 20 years of service. He taught at North Georgia Technical School, became director of Vocational Education at Georgia Industrial Institute and then taught Industrial Education at UGA while pursuing this Ph D at UGA. Dr. Crosby retired as a Vocational Director from Habersham Central High School in 1986. He loved and was very active in his church. Dr. Crosby served his adult life in many leadership roles in both his church and the community. He was also a member of the Christian Service Corps a ministry of the Home Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. Dr. Crosby loved helping others and was always very generous with his time and money. He had a love for nature and shared this passion with his family taking them camping, hiking and fishing every chance he had.

Survivors include his devoted wife of 60 years, Nellie Harrell Crosby, Cornelia, GA; his daughter, Jane Crosby Knapp and her husband Dr. William Stanley Knapp, Atlanta, GA; his son, Jack Crosby, Jr. and his wife Dinah, Gainesville, GA; his sister, Ernestine Woodall, Oak Grove, Missouri; his brother, Pete Crosby, Florida; and 2 grandchildren, William Russell Knapp and his wife, Reagan, And Elizabeth Anne Knapp and nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 22, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. at Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, GA with Rev. Brian James officiating. Interment will follow in Yonah Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Level Grove Baptist Church of Cornelia, PO Box 416, Cornelia, GA

Those wishing to send condolences to the Crosby family may do so by visiting www.whitfieldfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, GA.