WAXHAW, N.C. — Mr. Oliver B. (Ollie) Crosby, 88, passed away surrounded by his loved ones in his home on May 27, 2007. He was born on July 10, 1918, in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, son of the late John Clark Crosby and Mae Francis Pedro Crosby. He was the last survivor of John and Mae's six children.
During the Depression, when Ollie was 13, his father died of pneumonia. Ollie left school to help support his family by joining the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps), as well as the WPA (Works Progress Administration). On December 12, 1939, he entered the US Army and was stationed in Panama when WWII was declared. He was shipped to Europe where he fought in three major battles, earning him the Bronze Star for bravery. He was honorably discharged on June 18, 1945 from the army having attained the rank of Tech 4 Sergeant.
Upon returning home, he began courting a childhood friend, Angeline Robin, whom he later married on June 21, 1947. He worked as an auto mechanic, eventually branching out on his own as the owner of Crosby's Auto Service.
Due to Ollie's love of airplanes, he went to school and obtained his private pilot's license. He earned his airline mechanic's license which eventually led to his employment with Seaboard World Airlines, at JFK Airport, Queens, NY as an aircraft mechanic and electrician. Ollie was a union counselor with the NYC Central Labor Council. He retired after 30 years of service with Seaboard.
Ollie and Angie retired to Waxhaw, NC as volunteers with JAARS, the technical arm of Wycliffe Bible Translators. He served as an electrician in the accessory shop, and later with Missionary Transport in purchasing and shipping. After retiring from JAARS, Ollie devoted the remaining 12 years of his life as a devoted Hospice volunteer. He also visited residents of Monroe Manor, reading to them, singing hymns, and praying with them.
Ollie devoted his life to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ through many venues. In the church he served as deacon, trustee, Sunday school teacher, youth leader, bus driver, usher, and counselor. Very close to his heart was Christian Service Brigade, a boys youth ministry that encouraged Christian growth through bible study, mentoring, and outdoor activities. Ollie had a big heart for those that faced physical, emotional, and mental challenges, giving generously of his financial resources and time. He was a great prayer warrior of family, friends, missionaries, and anyone that touched his world. He was a much loved member of Cornerstone Bible Church of Lancaster, SC.
Ollie was a life long learner, going back to school earning his GED at the age of 49. He was an avid reader, a lover of crossword puzzles (completed in ink), and travel both here and abroad, with a special love for camping and the outdoors.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Angeline Louise Crosby; his five children, Walter R. Crosby and wife, Joan of NY, Edward E. Crosby, Brian A. Crosby, Cynthia Crosby Modisette and husband, Matt, and Phyllis Crosby Torbush and husband, Tony, all of Waxhaw, NC; grandchildren, Linda Crosby, John Crosby, Mathew Taylor Modisette, Sarah Catherine Modisette, Kristi Ann Torbush, Christopher Edward Torbush, Ashley Nicole Torbush, Michael Jonathan Torbush; great-granddaughter, Madison Elizabeth Torbush; nieces, Barbara Crosby-Pax, and Susan Crosby and daughters Lindsey and Rebecca; nephew Richard Crosby and children Sarah and John.
Oliver Crosby was preceded in death by brothers Clifford Crosby, Raymond Crosby, Sumner Crosby, and twin sisters Barbara and Yvonne Crosby.
The family wishes to thank Hospice of Union County caregivers for their compassion and care. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Union County, 700 W. Roosevelt Blvd., Monroe, NC 28110.
Visitation at the Wilson Chapel, 479 County St., New Bedford, Ma. on Monday, June 4, 2007, from 6-8 P.M. His funeral will take place on Tuesday at 1:30 P.M. in the funeral home followed by burial in Rural Cemetery.