Ander Ray Croom, Sr.

Ander Ray Croom, Sr., age 73, of Kennesaw, GA passed away Monday, November 14, 2016. Funeral Services will be held at 3pm on Thursday, December 1, 2016 at West Cobb Funeral Home and Crematory in Marietta, GA. The family will receive friends from 12pm until 3pm prior to the ceremony at the funeral home.

Ander Ray Croom Sr. was born in Kinston, North Carolina on October 9, 1943 to Fred and Geneva (Kilpatrick) Croom.

Ray as he was known by most, resided in Dayton Ohio several years where in 1978 he met his wife, Martha Henry-Croom. In October 1980 they relocated to the metro Atlanta area, and married on October 11, 1981 in Marietta Georgia and currently reside in Kennesaw, GA.

Over the years Ray held many jobs and took pride in all he did. Finally he decided to do what he enjoyed most - painting and landscaping. He was such a meticulous landscaper that in one community several of his clients often received recognition from their neighborhood association for having the “Best Landscaped Lawn.”

Ray never met a stranger and enjoyed being with family and friends and just enjoying life. Ray will be missed by all whom had the pleasure of knowing him.

Ander Ray Croom Sr. departed this life unexpectedly on Monday, November 14, 2016. He was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Geneva (Kilpatrick) Croom, daughter Shelia Cotton, two sisters Hilda Lynch and Mary Bennett.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Martha Henry-Croom; sons, Ander Ray Croom Jr. of Kennesaw Ga; Jibri O. Croom Sr. of Dayton Ohio; daughters Rene Murrell of Des Moines Iowa; Donna Grady of Boston MA; sister Linda Croom (Jim) of Jacksonville, North Carolina; lifelong friends Jarvis Bynum of High Point North Carolina; and Donald (Darnell) Dixon of Kinston North Carolina.

Eight grandchildren, Denise Grady and Taquanna St. Louis of Boston, MA; Traquisha Murrell of Des Moines, Iowa; Brianna Croom, Jibri O. Croom Jr., Ariyah Croom, Jordan Croom and Delontae Croom all of Ohio.

Three great- grandchildren, Anthony Langford of Des Moines Iowa, Jahsiah St. Louis and Kason St. Louis of Boston, MA. And a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.