ROCK HILL – Eugene Rion Crocker, 91, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on
Friday, April 17, 2026, surrounded by his family.
He was born on March 12, 1935, in Lockhart, SC to the late Henry Crocker and Nonnie
Shuler Crocker.
In addition to his parents, Eugene was preceded in death by his wife, Carrie Bruorton
Crocker, sister Della Sizemore, and brothers Frank Crocker, Harold Crocker, and J.C.
Crocker.
Eugene enlisted in the United States Navy in 1952 with his brothers and served during
the Korean War. It was during this time that he discovered a talent and love for boxing.
Following his time in the Navy, his career included 10 years at Cone Mill in Pineville,
NC, and 24 years at Hoechst Celanese in Rock Hill, SC, working in the power house
and later as a filter plant operator until retiring in 1996.
He had a quiet and serious way that usually meant he was contemplating how to
complete a specific task with perfection. He loved the outdoors and spent countless
hours doing what a Southerner might call “piddling”; he might call it simply raking,
although it involved not only the fallen leaves but acorns and dirt as well. Chopping and
splitting firewood into his 80s kept him strong and young at heart.
His leisure time included watching the great game of baseball as a loyal Atlanta Braves
fan; hunting deer, turkeys, rabbits, and quail, as well as fishing and grappling for
Cooters. He had a passion for gardening and raised the best Crimson Sweet
watermelons that you have ever eaten.
Eugene is survived by son, Henry E. Crocker (Fleta) of Rock Hill; daughters, Angela
Young (Randy) of Rock Hill, Sharon Lazarz (Steven) of Swanzey, NH, and Ginger Craig
of Rock Hill; among his grandchildren are Jamie Sawyer, Casie Helms (Wesley), Holly
Young-Moran (Shawn), all of Rock Hill, Shyla Foss of Swanzey, NH, Christopher Lazarz
of Old Orchard Beach, ME, and Shelly Craig and Bobby Craig of Rock Hill; and
numerous great grandchildren.
During his final year spent at PruittHealth, Eugene became known to all as “Shug”
(short for Sugar) as that was his endearing term for everyone he encountered. The
family sends a heart-felt thank you to all of the nurses and CNAs who took exceptionally
great care of him.
The visitation will be held at 1pm and the service at 2pm on Friday, April 24, 2026, at
Greene Funeral Home Northwest Chapel, 2133 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill, SC 29732.
Burial will follow at Grandview Memorial Park, 620 S Cherry Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Lakewood Baptist Church, 3520 Mt Gallant
Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732.
Condolences may be made at www.greenefuneralhome.net.