William Wilson “Buck” Crosby Sr

William W. “Buck” Crosby, Sr. was welcomed into the joy of God’s eternal kingdom on Friday, August 4, 2023, at Southeast Georgia Health System, Brunswick Campus.

Buck, as he has been affectionately called, was born on January 2, 1936, in Barnwell, South Carolina to the late Willie Crosby and Helen Sanders Jones. He was the oldest of two children. At an early age, his family moved to St. Simons Island, Georgia and later to Brunswick, Georgia.

He received his early education in Glynn County School System, graduating from his beloved Risley High School in 1955. During his high school years, he participated in all sports, but his true love was football. After graduation from high school, he attended Benedict College in South Carolina on a four-year football scholarship. He later received a Master Degree in Administration from the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia. His education experiences include teaching and coaching football, basketball, and track. Additionally, he worked in the system as a Principal, Associated Superintendent and retired in 2000, as an Interim Superintendent of the Glynn County School System. Along the way, after working part-time at Howard Coffin Park, he opened a recreational facility on “H” Street in order to provide a recreational outlet for boys and girls who were unable to travel to Howard Coffin Park.

By way of the Boy Scout Troop, Buck joined St. Athanasius Episcopal Church at an early age. He has served St “A” faithfully in every capacity and position over the past 75 plus years. He is the first and only person from St. Athanasius to be elected as a lay deputy to the General Convention of the Episcopal Church form the Diocese of Georgia for five consecutive sessions: 1997, Philadelphia, 200, Denver; 2003, Minneapolis; 2006, Columbus, Ohio; and 2009, Anaheim, California. Also, he was elected to the Diocese of Georgia Standing Committee for a three-year term; 2006, 2007, and 2008. In addition, he was appointed by Bishop Henry Louttit to the five-year term starting in 2006. He served faithfully in all three commitments in ministry as the same time that he was fulfilling his duties as a dedicated church member at St. Athanasius Church.

Buck was married to his best friend and soulmate, Velma Stephens for 69 years. They were blessed with three children: Joyce, Lisa and one son William “Billy”, Jr. (deceased); Grands: Patience, Scott, and Lauren and 6 great grands. (One bonus grand; Marquis Thomas).

Buck enjoyed traveling (world-wide), watching sport programs on TV, reciting poetry, and sharing quirky sayings and most of all, spending quality time with his family,

Professionally, he was employed in the Glynn County School System, and he retired in 2000 after working in the field of education for 40 years. During this time, he held positions as a teacher, coach, principal, associate superintendent and retired as an Interim Superintendent of the Glynn County School System.

Membership and Organizations

Instrumental in starting the first baseball team at Risley High School

Instrumental in helping students at Risley High School get scholarships to colleges and universities

Recipient of the Boy Scouts of America Silver Beaver Award

Served on President Jimmy Carter’s Executive Committee when he was the Governor of Georgia

Served as Campaign Chairman for Senator Glenn Bryant of the 3rd Senatorial District of Georgia.

Instrumental in acquiring permanent housing for the Risley Alumni Association along with Col. Tom Fuller

Very instrumental in securing the first Hospice of Glynn County building

Instrumental in building the newly renovated Maternity Center at Southeast Georgia Health System

Instrumental in securing the first three satellite campuses of Southeast Georgia Health System (McIntosh, St. Simons, and Brantley)

Instrumental in building the Camden Campus of Southeast Georgia Health System

Instrumental in Risley Alumni Association building being placed on the National Historic Registry along with Col. Tom Fuller

First individual to serve in the position of Interim Superintendent who was grown within the Glynn County School (from student up)

First and only African American Chairman of the Hospital Authority

First African American to receive the Tenth Bishop of the Diocese of Georgia Bishop’s Award

Received the first St. Athanasius Legacy Faith and Service Award (2022)

Life Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Life Member of Risley High School Association

William “Buck” Crosby, Sr. departed this life on August 4, 2023. He was preceded in death by his son, William “Billy” Crosby, Jr. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Velma S.; two daughters, Joyce, and Lisa (Greg); grandchildren, Patience, Scotta and Lauren (Paidrick); bonus grandchildren, Kierra, Greg, Jr. Karmen, and Shawn; six great grandchildren; five bonus grandsons (one deceased), four sisters-in-law; four brothers-in-law; several nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren and a cadre of close friends and faithful caregivers.