Robert Crites

Robert L. "Bob" Crites, age 87, of Jackson passed away Friday, Feb. 1, 2008, at Jackson Manor Nursing Home in Jackson.

He was born Aug. 26, 1920, in Oak Ridge and was raised by his grandmother, Mattie Davis. He and Helen Wilkinson were married Nov. 7, 1941, in Jackson. She survives.

Bob was the valedictorian of the Oak Ridge graduating class of 1938. Before marriage, he worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps in Iowa. He farmed all of his married life and also worked for the former Jackson Hosiery Mill for 15 years. He was a school bus driver for the Jackson School District, retiring in 1985.

Bob was a member of the United Methodist Church in Millersvile and a former trustee. He and Helen enjoyed preparing the church suppers and the fellowship that followed. He was a member of the former Millersville School Board and a former member of the Cape County Planning and Zoning Commission.

His favorite pastime was fishing in local ponds and streams.

Loving survivors include his wife of 66 years; a son, David Crites; a daughter, Jane (Carl) Whitener, all of Jackson; three grandchildren, Lisa Crites, Bob (Mary) Crites and Jamie (Stephanie) Whitener; a stepgranddaughter, Kris (Kenny) Heise; four great-grandchildren, Ricky Felty, Jordan Maurer, Bailey and Calen Crites; three great-stepgrandchildren, Nina, Emmalee and Jacob Heise.

Friends may call between 4 and 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson.

Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4, 2008, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Janet Hopkins officiating.

Interment will follow in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Millersville Methodist Church or the charity of your choice.

Sympathy messages may be sent to the family online at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.