Eliard Gray Croom

Eliard G. Croom, Jr. Eliard G. Croom, 89, a retired teacher of vocational education and industrial arts in Roanoke Rapids, NC, died November 10, 2019 in Raleigh, NC. A 30 year resident of Roanoke Rapids, he had lived at Lake Gaston, NC, for the last 33 years. Mr. Croom was born and raised in Rocky Mount, NC. He was educated in Rocky Mount Public Schools and graduated from East Carolina University. During his young life, he worked various jobs in family business and farming. After college, Mr. Croom taught for 30 years at Roanoke Rapids High School, where he oversaw the Industrial Arts and Vocational Education program. Early in his career at RRHS, he taught the trades of machine shop, small gasoline engines, cabinet making, electricity, arts & crafts, welding and drafting. The later part of his career was spent directing the school's Industrial Cooperative Training program: teaching job skills to students, helping them find jobs and following up on their job performance. During his tenure at Roanoke Rapids High School, he taught multiple generations of students, many of whom began their careers locally. Mr. Croom lived a full life – as a young man, he was a scuba diver, built dune buggies, rode motorcycles, enjoyed wood working and, helped his young daughter in rehabilitating baby squirrels and any other animal she brought home. Mid-life, he looked forward to camping in mountains, spending summers at Emerald Isle with his wife and daughter, and after retirement, enjoying boating and fishing on Lake Gaston, and participating in his hobby of amateur radios. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Angie Croom of Lake Gaston; a daughter, Kim Croom and son-in-law, Jim Tarantino of Raleigh, NC; brother-in-law Tony Lamm and his wife, Kathey of Manteo, NC; sister-in-law, Sandy Lamm of Pleasant Garden, NC, as well as nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eliard G. Croom, Sr., and Nellie H. Croom of Rocky Mount, NC; brother, Lester Croom and wife, Joyce of White Lake, NC; sister, Betty Hawkins and husband, Frank of Nokesville, VA; beloved brother-in-law, Larry Lamm of Pleasant Garden, NC. Graveside services will be held November 13, 2019 at 2:00pm, 7613 Upper Black Creek Church Road, Lucama, NC 27851 In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to The Upper Black Creek Church Cemetery Fund c/o Sandra Murray at 6608 Blacklock Road, Lucama, NC 27851

Eliard Gray Croom

July 12, 1930 - November 10, 2019