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William Crook, III
William “Honest Bill” Crook III, of Frisco North Carolina, passed away on Monday, April 29, 2024 shortly after midnight.
Bill was born on February 21, 1950 in Memphis, Tennessee to parents Aljean Weeks Crook and William Guy Crook Jr. After graduating high school, Bill attended Arkansas State University.
Bill could best be described as a troubadour: lyricist, traveler, poet, and storyteller; just as at home in front of music royalty, (Memphis and Nashville), as he was with the common folk sitting next to him on a bar stool. His travels and his Martin guitar took him far and wide, from oil rigs in the Gulf to honky-tonks in Memphis, never settling in one place too long. One such journey took him to a yet unknown destination, the Outer Banks of North Carolina. There he would finally settle, still a troubadour without the wandering.
In September of 1994 while performing at the Hatteras Civic Center, he found an audience of one in the crowd, the person that would become his wife, Jeannie. Driving home on the day of their wedding on the beach, he would say, “I finally feel like I belong somewhere.” Those who were his friends and family, and even complete strangers, felt that they belonged to him. He created that space around him with his wit, his stories, humor and music.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Aljean and William Jr. He is survived by his wife, Jeannie Crook of Frisco, NC; sisters, Libby Wuestenberg (Ron) and Carolyn Caldwell (Frank); stepdaughters, Dara Dawson and Paula Salladay (Chad); stepson, Matthew Cox (Marcella); grandchildren, Charlotte and Lindsay (Dara), Trevor (Paula), and Mareena (Matthew), as well as many friends far and wide.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services was entrusted with arrangements.
Condolences
Bill was a great friend back in the day. He had many friends on the Outer Banks Pier and he was part of the "crew" for many years. We are all sorry to hear of his passing and send our thoughts and prayers to his family. He was truly a great guy and he entertained all of us daily!
Thoughts and prayers to the family and friends. Memories of him back in the early 1980’s playing at Autotech’s annual Christmas party in Nags Head. The song of the evening being “Eugene the ticket machine” in honor of officer Mclawhorn of Kitty Hawk.
Jeannie you all are in my prayers. My family loves Carolyn and so we love you. As I read the obituary I found myself regretting that I never got to know Billy. I am so glad Carolyn and Libby were there with you. Prayers for comfort in your loneliness. Beth Bailey
I was a common folk seated net to HBC at the Buoy 9 on several occasions.Never a bad time.RIP
Uncle Bill ,you will be missed and though I haven't seen you in along time. You were always in my prayers and thoughts. From the first time I met you until the last time I saw you. You always had some great stories to tell and was a great listener. You were always proud of your garden you grew and had great ideas. Til we meet again someday, rest in peace along the sandy shores. My prayers and thoughts are with you all. Nephew, Greg
Bill and I spent many happy hours together in Nashville back in 1977-78. He had a remarkable songwriting talent, and his his magnetic personality drew people to him … from behind-the-scenes songwriters to Junior Samples to Kris Kristofferson. Bill was as creative as anyone I have ever known and his spontaneous, original one-liners kept us laughing and rolling hours on end. He was an important person in my life. My thoughts and prayers go out to Jeannie and the family.
Billy was such a sweet soul—never remember him without a smile on his face. Our family knew him as “Beau” growing up and we were blessed to consider he, Libby, Carolyn, Mrs. Aljean, and Mr. Bill family. Heaven has gained a great banjo player. Prayers to Jeanie and all this wonderful family.
I loved Bill Crook. We had some great journeys and memories together. Was the most unique person I’ve ever known. He loved his family so much. Thanks Billy for making me laugh!!
Jeannie so sorry 😞 for your loss. God bless you and your family, If you need anything please let me know. 💜💓❤️ prays and love
Jeannie, I just learned of Bill’s passing. I am so so sorry. My heart hurts for you and your family. Hugs, Susie
Will never forget the song about grandpa and the watermelon. Nor the quail hunting we did together. I am so glad I got to see Bill for a short visit a few months back. Bill will be missed.
Sincerest condolences, Jeannie to you and all of your family. Beverly
Sorry to hear of your passing Crooked Man....Mac and I have been sharing memories from our Nashville days, pickin' and singin' and crashing the back stage at the Grand Ole Opry to see the Country Music Stars...l will always remember our capers full of mischievousness and laughter. Carry On my friend...God isn't done with you yet!
Bill was a great friend back in the day. He had many friends on the Outer Banks Pier and he was part of the “crew” for many years. We are all sorry to hear of his passing and send our thoughts and prayers to his family. He was truly a great guy and he entertained all of us daily!
Thoughts and prayers to the family and friends. Memories of him back in the early 1980’s playing at Autotech’s annual Christmas party in Nags Head. The song of the evening being “Eugene the ticket machine” in honor of officer Mclawhorn of Kitty Hawk.
Jeannie you all are in my prayers. My family loves Carolyn and so we love you. As I read the obituary I found myself regretting that I never got to know Billy. I am so glad Carolyn and Libby were there with you. Prayers for comfort in your loneliness. Beth Bailey
I was a common folk seated net to HBC at the Buoy 9 on several occasions.Never a bad time.RIP
Uncle Bill ,you will be missed and though I haven’t seen you in along time. You were always in my prayers and thoughts. From the first time I met you until the last time I saw you. You always had some great stories to tell and was a great listener. You were always proud of your garden you grew and had great ideas. Til we meet again someday, rest in peace along the sandy shores. My prayers and thoughts are with you all. Nephew, Greg
Bill and I spent many happy hours together in Nashville back in 1977-78. He had a remarkable songwriting talent, and his his magnetic personality drew people to him … from behind-the-scenes songwriters to Junior Samples to Kris Kristofferson. Bill was as creative as anyone I have ever known and his spontaneous, original one-liners kept us laughing and rolling hours on end. He was an important person in my life. My thoughts and prayers go out to Jeannie and the family.
Billy was such a sweet soul—never remember him without a smile on his face. Our family knew him as “Beau” growing up and we were blessed to consider he, Libby, Carolyn, Mrs. Aljean, and Mr. Bill family. Heaven has gained a great banjo player. Prayers to Jeanie and all this wonderful family.
I loved Bill Crook. We had some great journeys and memories together. Was the most unique person I’ve ever known. He loved his family so much. Thanks Billy for making me laugh!!
Jeannie so sorry 😞 for your loss. God bless you and your family, If you need anything please let me know. 💜💓❤️ prays and love
Jeannie, I just learned of Bill’s passing. I am so so sorry. My heart hurts for you and your family. Hugs, Susie
Will never forget the song about grandpa and the watermelon. Nor the quail hunting we did together. I am so glad I got to see Bill for a short visit a few months back. Bill will be missed.
Sincerest condolences, Jeannie to you and all of your family. Beverly
Sorry to hear of your passing Crooked Man….Mac and I have been sharing memories from our Nashville days, pickin’ and singin’ and crashing the back stage at the Grand Ole Opry to see the Country Music Stars…l will always remember our capers full of mischievousness and laughter. Carry On my friend…God isn’t done with you yet!