Joseph Hunter Crute Jr.

CRUTE, Joseph Hunter Jr., 84, passed away peacefully Friday, September 5, 2014, at Franklin Manor in Youngsville, N.C. He was born in Washington, D.C. on August 8, 1930, to the late Joseph Hunter Crute Sr. and Mary DeBois Crute. Joe was preceded in death by his son, William Morton Crute. Joe led an amazing life and was an English and History teacher, while being the high school football coach. He continued in pharmaceutical sales, was a businessman, historian, and later in life, became a well respected author and lecturer, publishing several books on the War Between the States. He and his wife, Betty, were the owners and renovators of Derwent Plantation, the home that Robert E. Lee came to reside after the war before accepting the position as president of Washington College, now known as Washington & Lee University, where he attended as an undergraduate of English and History.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Elizabeth Morton Crute "Betty"; his son, Joseph Hunter Crute III; and daughter-in-law, Lisabeth Brynn Todd Crute; grandchildren, Courtney Elizabeth Crute, Meredith Hunter Crute, Jennifer Kathryn Crute, Joseph Hunter Crute IV and William Morton Crute.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Dale Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Monday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Huguenot Chapel of Woody Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Transitions Lifecare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, N.C. 27607. Online condolences may be made to WoodyFuneralHome.com