WHEREAS, George Crocker, Sr., a faithful man of God who was the retired station manager of the Ettrick Post Office and who was a devoted husband and father, died on December 7, 2014; and

WHEREAS, George Crocker was born and reared on historic Pocahontas Island in Petersburg; he graduated from Peabody High School and attended Richard Bland College and the Virginia Seminary; and

WHEREAS, George Crocker was industrious and resourceful; he worked for Titmus Optical Inc., before becoming a postal employee; he then spent 35 years with the United States Postal Service as a mail clerk and finance clerk, and retired as the Ettrick station manager; and

WHEREAS, an abiding faith was the hallmark of George Crocker's long and full life; he accepted Christ at an early age and for many years enjoyed fellowship and worship at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Petersburg; and

WHEREAS, when Tabernacle Baptist Church was without a pastor and in danger of ending its ministry, George Crocker, who was a deacon at the church for more than 50 years, assumed responsibility for making sure the Sunday worship services continued; and

WHEREAS, George Crocker was chair of the Deacons' Ministry at Tabernacle Baptist Church for 30 years; he also participated in the men's fellowship, assisted with a Boy Scout troop, served as treasurer for more than 40 years, and was a valuable contributor to many other church ministries; and

WHEREAS, George Crocker, whose life exemplified service to the Lord, was chair of Tabernacle Baptist Church's Senior Citizens Ministry, and in that capacity he worked with the Petersburg Department of Parks and Leisure Services on events and programs for older residents; and

WHEREAS, George Crocker attended many national church conventions and was affiliated with the Sunday School department of the Unified Shiloh Baptist Association, The Baptist Sunday School and Baptist Training Union Congress of Virginia, and was a trustee of the Children's Home of Virginia Baptist, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, in 2013, George Crocker was named a Hometown Hero by the Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen law firm in recognition of his volunteer work for his church and community; he was named a "Community Gem" by the Alease Cooley Memorial Tent, and received many other recognitions; and

WHEREAS, George Crocker, who was predeceased by his son, Timothy, will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by his wife, Nancy; his children, Wayne, Karen, and George, Jr., and their families; and by many other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of George Crocker, Sr., whose abiding faith guided his life, who ably served as the station manager of the Ettrick Post Office, and who was devoted to his wife and family; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of George Crocker, Sr., as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's respect for his memory.