James Joseph "Joey or Joe" Crooke, III, 70, of Lynn Haven, FL, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 11, 2024.

Joe was born at Baptist Hospital to the late James J. Crooke, Jr. and Theresa Whitt Crooke, he grew up on Barcia Ave. in East Hill, Pensacola. He spent many happy days outside playing with the other children in the neighborhood, building forts in the woods, racing their bikes, etc. That is until the streetlights came on!! Then in 1965, just after his 11th birthday, he started feeling bad. The first week of April he was diagnosed with Type I insulin-dependent diabetes, which at the time had an early death expectation of the 30's to the early 50's. This also derailed the plan he had to join the Air Force and become a pilot.

He struggled to get a new plan and direction, but the disease did not stop him from participating in sports or becoming a surfer. He got involved in the Construction Industry and at one point owned a painting company. Eventually he went to school and graduated with an associate degree in business administration, which he used in the Automotive Service Industry. By 2008, he became disabled.

Work was not the most important thing to Joe, serving the Lord and loving his family and friends was! He loved serving the church universal and was an ordained Deacon in the PCA. He participated in many choirs, played the guitar or bass in praise bands, and helped co lead the Contemporary Worship Service at Baker UMC for almost 8 years. On his last Sunday in church, January 28, he played guitar for the Offertory Song. Praising Yeshua, aka Jesus, or making music in praise, was his highest pleasure. He now gets to add his voice to the eternal worship in heaven with his parents and sister.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his older sister, Carol Ann Crooke Lord.

Survivors include his wife of almost 40 years, Deborah Kay Fike Crooke; sons, William David Crooke (Sarah), James Joseph Crook, IV; daughters, Angela Ranae Crooke and Jeanie Marie Crooke Peadon Conti (Rob); grandchildren, Hannah Marie Crooke, William David Crooke, II, Samuel Lewis Crooke, Joshua Adam Crooke, and unborn baby boy Crooke (due in May); sister, Deena Maria Crooke (Bob Hinkley); nephews, Lucas Owen Lord and Wesley David Lord; niece, Lindy Kay Lord Hayes (Andy); as well as many great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 10:00am until a funeral service begins at 11:00am Saturday, February 17, 2024, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, with Bob Govoni officiating.