FRANKLIN—Deacon Eldridge E. “Pete” Crocker Sr., died Aug. 6, 2007 in Southside Regional Medical Center, Petersburg.

Deacon Crocker was born Aug. 23, 1945 in Southampton County. He was a member of Mount Calvary Memorial Baptist Church, Franklin, where he was a member of the deacon board, a Sunday school teacher and committed member of the church until his death.

Pete, as he was fondly called, was a devoted and diligent bible scholar. He spent many hours reading and studying the bible to share the word of God with anyone who would listen.

He was a 1963 graduate of Hayden High School. After graduation he joined the freshman class of Virginia State University, Petersburg, and began his studies as a physical education major.

In 1965, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He retired as a chief petty officer after 23 years of service to his country. During his enlistment he served two 18-months tours of duty in Vietnam. He received many awards during is years in the military which includes: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (five bronze stars), Nanvy Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Medal (bronze star), Vietnam Campaign Medal (Battle E Award), the Fleet Marine Combat Operations Insignia (bronze star) as well as Good Conduct Award.

After retirement from the Navy he enrolled in Paul D. Camp Community College and took courses in the area of business administration. He also pursued his love of God’s word by taking numerous religion courses through a satellite campus of Virginia Union’s School of Divinity, Richmond.

Survivors include his daughter, Jacqueline C. Hill (Gerald) of Franklin; son, Eldridge E. Crocker Jr. of Los Angeles, Calif.; four sisters, Jennifer B. Ricks of Franklin, Shelia M. Hobbs of Franklin, Vonetta H. Jackson (Fred) of Chesapeake and Veda P. Brown (John) of Atlanta, Ga.; three brothers, Quinton A. Roberts (Bea) of Anchorage, Alaska, Victor A. Pope (Shandra) of Virginia Beach and Jimmie D. Pope (Lynn) of Norfolk; six grandsons, Derek, Douglas, Gianni, Izaiah, Arell and Nouri; two granddaughters, Bria and Mackenzie; one great-aunt, Helen A. Wilson of Baltimore, Md.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A funeral was held Aug. 10 in Vaughan Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Roosevelt Harmon officiating. Burial followed in Southview Cemetery.

Elvin Vaughan Funeral Home handled arrangements.