James "Reid" Crook

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 14, 2014, at Kilgo United Methodist Church, 2101 Belvedere Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205, with interment with Military Honors to follow in Sharon Memorial Park, 5716 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC 28216. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Reid was born December 4, 1922, in Mecklenburg County, NC to the late James Festus and Dollie Sustar Crook. He graduated from Harding High School in 1941. He enlisted in the United States Army Air Force on December 3, 1942. In March of 1943, he was assigned to the 29th Troop Carrier Squadron, 313th Troop Carrier Group, as a Classification Specialist and later as Administrative NCO. He was the recipient of the Distinguished Unit Badge with one oak leaf cluster, Air Medal with one oak leaf cluster and the Good Conduct Medal. Reid was honorably discharged on October 1, 1945.

He studied accounting at Queens College before becoming a regional controller for Pet Inc. where he retired from in 1985. He enjoyed refinishing furniture, antiques and especially traveling. He was very dedicated to his church where he was the financial secretary for forty years and president of the Wesleyan Bible class for many many years.

Mr. Crook is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Dorothy “Dot” Crook; daughter, Dianne Purifoy and husband John of Pamlico Beach, NC; son, James “Jim” Reid, Jr. and wife Joyce of Mooresville, NC; granddaughters, Amy Michelle Purifoy and Traci Cruz and husband Christian; great granddaughter, Olivia Grace Cruz and his sister, Mary Jordan of Charlotte. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions memorial contributions may be made to Kilgo United Methodist Church, 2101 Belvedere Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205 or to the charity of one’s choice.