Crockett Jr., John Joseph

John Joseph Crockett Jr., 61, of Newbern, passed away Thursday, August 29, 2013, at University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville. Born December 24, 1951, in Draper, he was the son of the late John Joseph “Joe” Crockett Sr. and Margaret Jo Boyd Crockett. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Cox Crockett. He attended Radford University and was a Senior Water Works Operator for the Town of Pulaski with 37 years of service. Leaving to cherish his memory are his sister, Donna Branch, of Pulaski, and friend David Salmons; one daughter, Laura Flowers and her husband, Jerry, of Roanoke; two sons, Leroy D. Burton, of Christiansburg, and Russell D. Burton, of Radford; one grandchild, Kaylea Hopkins, of Radford; niece, Kayla Billings, of Norfolk; and nephew, Korey Branch, of Pulaski. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, John Branch, of Pulaski; his beloved Uncle Byron Boyd, of Dublin, along with other uncles, aunts and special cousins. John had many special friends and touched the lives of so many. Also left to miss him will be his loyal dog and companion, DD. The friends he made with the Town of Pulaski and especially the water filtration plant were so very dear to his heart. Duane, Stephen, Josh, Gary, Tommy, Terry, Matt, Jonathan, Ty and numerous others were his friends and second family. John’s family would like to thank the caring doctors and nurses at University of Virginia Medical Center, Salem Lewis Gale Hospital and Pulaski Lewis Gale Hospital for their loving care through the final days of his life. A very special thank you to Dr. John Knarr for his care for the entire Crockett family over the last years and the effort he made with helping John manage his health issues and pain. There are no words to express the thanks to Jerred Eller for the time he spent helping John over the last few years. Jerred was John’s right hand man and there with him through so much. Jerred, his wife, Lea, and another friend, Jerry Trail, were always there to help John with things he needed done around the house, inside and out and that will always be remembered. Visitation will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, September 3, 2013, at Stevens Funeral Home, Pulaski. A celebration of John’s life will follow at 11 a.m. He will be laid to rest at Moore Family Cemetery, Draper. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Open Door Baptist Church, Pulaski. Arrangements by Stevens Funeral Home, Pulaski.