Joe Crozier Jr.

Joe Crozier Jr., born Jan. 24, 1939, in Jonesboro to Joe Crozier Sr. and Dorothy Burroughs Crozier, passed away surrounded by his loving family on June 4, 2024. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather and proud veteran who served his country with honor and distinction in the United States Air Force.

Joe graduated from Trumann High School in Trumann, where he met the love of his life, Wanda Eldridge. They enjoyed 59 years of marriage. Joe went on to earn a BS in mathematics from Arkansas State in Jonesboro and completed his MBA from Boston University. Joe enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1962 and attended officer’s training school. His military career took him to 13 bases around the world. A veteran of the Vietnam War and Desert Storm, Joe spent 29 years in various leadership positions retiring as a Colonel, Director of Personnel, 19th Air Force at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina and Central Air Forces in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia during Desert Storm.

He received several decorations including two Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Meritorious Service Medals, four Air Medals, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. Joe was as a B-52 navigator, fighter jet simulator director, Commander of Special Activity Squadron, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff with Aircrew Training Devices, Commander of the 4449th Mobile Support Squad, Chief of Staff with the Tactical Air Welfare Center, Director of Personnel with the 19th Air Force.

In addition to his military service, Joe was also a proud Eagle Scout and a dedicated volunteer for various organizations, including disaster recovery efforts. After retiring from Air Force Joe became the founding owner of Country Estate Fence of Memphis.

He was a loving and supportive father to Joe Crozier (Emily) and Laura Hood, a supportive brother to Alfred Crozier (Judy) a cherished grandfather to Stephen Hood (Abby) and Rebecca Logvin (Ross), and a beloved great-grandfather to Roman and Rayleen Logvin. He also dearly loved his son-in-law, Chris Hood.

Joe was a member of the Fairfield Glade United Methodist Church, where he found solace and community in his faith. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Fairfield Glade United Methodist Church or St. Jude Children’s Hospital in memory of Joe.

A viewing will be held at Bilbrey Funeral Home in Crossville, Tenn., on Wednesday, June 12, from 5-6 p.m. A memorial service to celebrate Joe’s life will take place at the Fairfield Glade United Methodist Church on Thursday, June 13, at 10 a.m., followed by a brief reception.

Joe will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his country, and his community. His legacy of service, love, and sacrifice will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in peace.