Doyle "Pete" Croy

Doyle William “Pete” Croy, age 97, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, November 6th surrounded by his loving family. He was the last surviving child of the late Bill Croy and Rosa Lee of the Orion Community. Pete was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Alice (McKinney) Croy. He was also preceded in death by his son, Randy Croy; daughter, Deborah Kay Atwood; son-in-law, Billy Ray Atwood; and grandson, Randall Wilson.

Pete is survived by his son James Kenneth Croy of Redfield; daughter and son-in-law, Marilyn (Eddie) Wilson of Sheridan; daughter-in-law, Paula Croy of Bauxite; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by a special nephew, Roger Haynes and wife Cheryl of Sheridan (Ico); along with many other nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Pete was an Army Veteran who served during the End of WWII under the command of General Patton where he received a Purple Heart. Pete then later retired from 3M in Little Rock. He spent all of his adult life being the caretaker to everyone who was blessed to be within his reach with family always a top priority.

Pete was a member of Orion Missionary Baptist Church and a life-long resident of the Orion Community which he called home. Church was not just a Sunday thing for Pete. Church was his home away from home. He dedicated his life to serving the Lord by serving within the church and serving his church family. 

Pete never met a stranger. He was an avid storyteller and captivated any audience that was in earshot. Family time was often spent listening to him tell stories about times past and enjoying his beautiful singing voice as singing hymns and old catchy tunes was a favorite pastime of Pete's. 

Pete was also well-known as a gardener and outdoorsman. Pete loved hunting and was a Member of the Orion Hunting Club. He would often be found outside in his garden or in the woods. 

Special thanks to Hospice Home Care, specifically Nurse Denise Holiman. The family could not be more grateful for the end-of-life care that was given by the amazing staff. 

Pete truly lived out the testimony that faith, family, hard work, and still having fun was the best way to live out your best life."

Visitation is from 3:00-4:00 PM, on Friday, November 10th at Orion Church in Redfield followed by a funeral service at 4:00 PM. Burial will be at Orion Cemetery following the service.  Assisting as pallbearers are Gary Brewer, Paul Brewer, Gary Rogers, Chuck Croy, Russell Lacey, and David Croy.  Honorary pallbearers are Wesley Jones, Roger Haynes, Ronnie Croy, Timbo Beene, and Larry Duncan.

Memorials may be made to Orion Church.

Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.