Robert Graydon Crocker

Robert Graydon Crocker, of Strathmore, California, entered eternal life on August 18, 2022. Graydon left this world with his loved ones by his side after a hard-fought battle with Alzheimer’s. He leaves behind an incredible legacy and was truly a shining example of the American Dream. His family and friends will remember his witty charm, sense of humor, love of country music, sports, classic cars, and that twinkle in his blue eyes. He also passed along his belief in fairness, hard work, kindness, and willingness to lend a hand. On January 12, 1932, Graydon was born in a barn during a blizzard in Springfield, Colorado. He was the third child, and first son, of Robert Crocker and Leitha (Cunningham) Crocker of Pampa, Texas. He spent his early years in Pampa and his best memories were days out with his uncle Mart. These were hard times for many families in the Texas panhandle. He was always grateful to the Salvation Army, who would deliver his only present every Christmas. Then in 1942, Graydon’s mother and brothers boarded a train to California in search of a better life. They ultimately settled in Strathmore, the town that he would call home for the rest of his life. His mother would work several jobs to support the family, and Graydon did his best to shepherd his younger brothers while she was working. He graduated Strathmore High School in 1950 and married his high school sweetheart, Virginia Del Greco, in September of 1951. They remained married for 65 years up until her death in 2016. In high school, Graydon built a reputation for being an extraordinary basketball player, leading his varsity team to a league championship in 1950. He established friendships that would last the rest of his life, and his friends considered him someone they could always count on. Graydon was a career truck driver and proud member of the Teamsters Union. His career spanned 50 years and over 3 million miles. He drove for J.R. Young, Langendorf Bakeries, Dolly Madison and others. Although his job took a physical toll on him, he never complained about it. He cherished the time he spent at home with his family and worked hard to make sure they always had a roof overhead and food on the table, things he was never guaranteed in his youth. Later in life, he found even more joy playing with his grandchildren, who called him “Nonno”, which means “grandpa” in Italian. Graydon is survived by his two sons David and Daniel, two daughters-in-law Grace and Jill, and five grandchildren Evan, Robert, Lauren, Matthew, and Tyler. He is preceded in death by his wife Virginia, two older sisters Mary Elizabeth and Eva Lee, and three younger brothers Thomas Lowell, Will Wiley, and Walter “Buster”. Graydon’s Celebration of Life ceremony will take place at 11:00am on Monday, August 29, 2022, at Webb Sanders Smith Funeral Home Chapel in Lindsay. The family requests that you please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association in lieu of flowers.

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