Rayford Crocker

Isaac Rayford Crocker, age 91 years of Avon Park, Florida and formerly of Niles, Michigan died at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 7, 2013 in Florida following an illness.

He was born on October 6, 1922 in Cannon County, Tennessee to John Thomas and Sarah Madge (Haley) Crocker, moving to Michigan with his family when he was five years old. He was graduated from Niles Central High School, and enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps. He served as a Sergeant, and was a veteran of World War II. He began his law enforcement career with the City of Niles as the parking meter patrolman, and was promoted through the ranks to eventually serve as Chief of Police from 1969 until his retirement in 1972 after twenty-six years of service. He then became a partner and broker in a local real estate firm.

In Niles, Ray was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, American Legion Post #26, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #95, and the B.P.O.of Niles Elks Lodge #1322. He enjoyed sports all of his life, and was an avid golfer.

On August 29, 1942 he married the former Marguerite Gay Bliss with whom he celebrated the forty-fifth anniversary of their wedding prior to her death on March 16, 1988. He was also preceded in death by his parents and by a brother, John Crocker.

On June 30, 1989 he married Jo V. Smith, who survives. Also surviving are his children, Connie Crocker of Melbourne, Florida, Bob (& Jann) Crocker of Niles, Dick (& Carol) Crocker of Bellevue, Washington, and Terry (& Pam) Crocker of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; and Ray’s brothers, Dillard Crocker and Clifford Crocker.

Services for Ray Crocker will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2013 at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with an Honor Guard of the Niles City Police Department and will begin with rites by the Niles Elks Lodge, followed by a memorial service with the Rev. Cathi Huvaere of Wesley United Methodist Church officiating. Services will conclude with full military honors by the United States Air Force Honor Guard and American Legion Post #26. Committal will be private at a later date at Mission Hills.

The family will receive relatives and friends beginning at 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Contributions in memory of Ray Crocker may be made to the FOP Lodge #95, 531 North State Street, Niles, Michigan 49120.