On July 1st, the world lost one of its great storytellers. Bobby Crockett’s stories could be so incredible, so legendary, and so funny that people would think that they had to be tall tales if it were not for the witnesses who were there to see many of them happen. Bobby was a loving husband and devoted father and he cherished his friendships. He was brightly charismatic and funny, but also deeply caring, quietly offering help anywhere he saw a need. He was a humble Christian and a good man by any standard. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and always took family and friends with him to make it mean more. Later in his life, he spent more time working to create habitat and conserve wildlife than he did hunting because he wanted to preserve something he loved for the future.
Bobby married Dotty R. P. Crockett, the love of his life and his partner in all things for 55 years. They created their loving home in Buchanan. He is the father of sons Jim Bob Crockett (Emily Farrar-Crockett) of Falls Church, VA and Chris Crockett (Emily Gaines Crockett) of Sandy, UT. He kept the memory of an infant son Adam. He also recognized Troy Crawford of Buchanan as an extra, honorary son, at least most of the time. Bobby has three grandchildren of whom he was very proud. Tyler and Wren Crockett (the children of Jim Bob) and Rob Crockett (the son of Chris).
Bobby is the son of Paul and Olivia Crockett of Paris and has three younger siblings: Sandra (Larry) Moore of West Milford, NJ, Melinda (Kenny) Robertson of Wickliffe, KY, and Mark (Diette) Crockett of Knoxville TN. Yes, Mark really is the same generation.
He spent most of his career as a highly skilled machinist at New Johnsonville Steam Plant where he machined many technically difficult parts and helped train younger machinists. Prior to working for TVA, he worked at Pflueger’s Tool & Die in Paris and was manager of Uncle Lee’s on the lake highway. He attended Grove High School and the University of Tennessee at Martin. Bobby was a long time member of Sulphur Well Church of Christ, the Henry County Rod and Gun Club, and Quail Unlimited.
Bobby loved talking, ripe tomatoes, lots of butter, stirring iced tea for hours, bird dogs, and prairie grasses. He loved his porch, his shop, and his tractor. He loved 20-minute naps, all the sports that matter, adventures large and small, and talking some more. Most of all, he loved his friends and his family. He was an example to others of how to be a good man and how to live a good life. He is dearly loved and will be dearly missed.
Plans for a celebration of his life are being made for later this summer and will be announced when they are finalized. Since he can no longer share his stories, your stories and memories of him will be welcome and appreciated. He would love that.