Raymond “Sonny” Crocker

June 16, 2016 Mr. Raymond H. "Sonny" Crocker, age 85, husband of Gwendolyn Hines Crocker of 310 Maple St., Union, passed away Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at Sweetgrass Village in Mt. Pleasant. Mr. Crocker was born in Spartanburg, June 21, 1930, a son of the late Raymond Heyward Crocker, Sr. and Ola Nichols Crocker. He was a graduate of Union High School and attended Clemson University but was an avid Gamecock fan. Mr. Crocker was retired after 39 years from the S.C. National Guard as a Chief Warrant Officer and member of the 118th Infantry Division, Union. After retirement he operated his own business, The Fire Crocker House and was member of the S.C. Fireworks Association. Mr. Crocker was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church and was a former president of the Union High School Band Aid Club, had served as Director of the Kudzu Festival and was also a member of the BPOE Elks Lodge. He loved the beach and spending time with his family and friends. Surviving in addition to his wife are a daughter, Donna C. Sumner and husband Mike of Union; a son, Monty Crocker and wife Patti of Atlanta; a sister, Nancy O'Dell of Union; a brother, Donald Crocker of Ft. Payne, AL; special friends, Jim and Trudy Smith of Union; five grandchildren, Lillianna Crocker, Noah Crocker, Nat Crocker and two special granddaughters who helped with his care, Brooke Newell and Merritt Segars and husband Rob all of James Island.; four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Mr. Crocker was predeceased by two sisters, Jenny Merle Crocker and Judy Aman, and two brothers, Larry Crocker and Nick Crocker. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff and nurses of Sweetgrass Village and Piedmont Hospice for their care and concern of Mr. Crocker during his illness. The family also extends a special thank you to their many friends and family members for their love and support shown during this time. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, June 18, 2016 at Mon Aetna Baptist Church conducted by Rev. Chris Gulledge and Rev. Bob Cato. Burial with Full Military Honors will be held at Rosemont Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Billy Crocker, Peter Crocker, Claude Schlagenhauf, Jerry Crocker, Rob Segars and Mark Schlagenhauf. The following are asked to serve as the honorary escort, Eddie Harris, J.W. McAbee, Joe Stepp, Jamison England, Mike Phillips, Robbie Littlejohn, Roger Bailey, Jimmy Lawson, Hugh Grady and Bill Yarbrough. Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 PM Friday evening at the S.R. Holcombe Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Mon Aetna Baptist Church, 1431 Lockhart Hwy., Union, SC 29379 or to Piedmont Hospice, 501 Deanna Lane, Wando, SC. The family will be at the home of his daughter, 104 Bridletrail Lane, Union.