Obituary: William Clyde “Bill” Cruse
William Clyde “Bill” Cruse, 93, passed away in his home in Pocahontas, Tennessee, Saturday, August 17, 2024. He was born June 16, 1931, to the late Woodrow and Carlie Smith Cruse. He was retired from Harmon Automotive in Bolivar, Tennessee and previously worked in the steel mill in Indiana. Bill was a member and deacon of the First Baptist Church of Pocahontas for 54 years. He watched over the church, guiding the younger men in projects to help the church to grow. Bill was always a faithful humble servant who put his Lord and Savior first and led by example. He liked tinkering with things and repairing many items to be reused. Bill loved to travel and was always ready to go at the drop of a hat. Many trips were made to the beach where he played along with all his children.
Bill loved his family and it grew steadily over the years. He was married to his wife of 69 years, Bobbie Jean Cruse, and they had many wonderful years together. They have three children together, Timothy Cruse, David Cruse, and Linda Petersen. He also leaves a son- in- law, Victor Petersen, and daughter- in- laws, Cindy Cruse and Carolyn Cruse. Bill leaves his grandchildren, Bryan Cruse (in Heaven), Heather King (Justin), Jason Cruse (Nicole), Bradley Petersen (Amber), Chelsea Shea (Colton) (Jason (in Heaven), Andrea, and Jimmy; greatgrandchildren: Jaydon Cruse, Jett Cruse (mom, Amy), Bentley King, Ansley King, Mason Petersen (mom, Ashely), Nate Shea, Saylor Shea, Livvy Shea, Justin Watson, Amanda Watson Cody Watson, Kyzer Loveless, Baylee Jones and Hayden Thurlow.
Bill and Bobbie Jean opened their home to several foster children over the years and instilled in them family values of structure with consistent love, care and a warm home. They also considered their pastor, Brother Steve McKee, as one of their own.
Services will be held at Pocahontas First Baptist Church on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at 11 a.m. with burial in Oak Grove Cemetery. Shackelford Funeral Directors of Bolivar is in charge of professional arrangements.
Additionally, he is survived by a sister, Louise Wilbanks of Eastview, Tennessee; a brother, Jamie Cruse (Pat) of Moscow, Tennessee; sister-in-law, Elaine Bullock (Raidford) of Ripley, Mississippi; sister-in-law, Helen Cruse of Pocahontas, Tennessee; and sister-in-law, Juanita Cruse.
He has many nieces and nephews, lots of friends, and church members he was fond of.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow and Carlie Cruse; his in-laws, Johnny and Bessie Dixon; his first grandson, Bryan Cruse; his brothers, Leon, Leslie, Woodrow, and Robert Cruse; his sister-in-laws, Rosie Cruse and Dorothy Cruse; and a brother-in-law, Jerry Wilbanks.
Courtesy of Shackelford Funeral Directors, Bolivar, Tennessee.
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