John Alex Crook Jr.

John Alex Crook Jr., (Uncle John) 96, of Monroe, NC passed away on Wednesday, March 13, 2024. He was born in Union County on June 9, 1927, son to the late John Alex Crook and Wilma Bass Crook. He is also preceded in death by his loving wife Nora Lee Boone Crook, as well as his sisters; Pauline Stegall, Ruth Gordon, Jo Secrest, and Hilda Smith.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, March 17, 2024, in the Chapel of Gordon Funeral Service, with burial to follow in Lakeland Memorial Park. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 2:00 PM until 2:45 PM at Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory, 1904 Lancaster Ave, Monroe, NC 28112.

Uncle John is survived by his nephews; Johnny Gordon (Carolyn), Freddie Gordon (Anna), and nieces; Linda G. Sims, Melissa Stroup (Paul), Deborah Moser, and Ann Bump (Lawry), as well as many other nieces and nephews.

He was born and raised on his parent’s farm right before the great depression and his work ethic was instilled in him by his father at an early age. This continued throughout his life. His public career started as a clerk in a grocery store in the Benton Heights community. He went on to work and manage Merit Shoe Store in downtown Monroe. John then worked for Union Electric Membership Corporation for 22 years and retired having served as their Director of Purchasing and Inventory Control. He was instrumental in the creation and served on the Board of Directors of the Bank of Union (now Fifth Third Bank). In 1977 his family purchased and began the operation of Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory, where he contributed immensely to their success until the age of 91.

John was a charter member of the Board of Visitors of Wingate University, where he also established a scholarship in memory of his wife Nora B. Crook. He served many roles within the Presbyterian Church and was an early and loyal volunteer with Loaves and Fishes of Union County. John also took great pride in the landscaping and upkeep of his home.

A special thank you from John’s family to Brookdale Union Park Assisted Living for the love and compassionate care he was given over the last 5 years.

Memorials are requested to the John A. and Nora B. Crook Endowed Scholarship Fund, C/O Wingate University, PO Box 159, Wingate, NC 28174.

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com.

Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory, 1904 Lancaster Ave., Monroe, NC 28112 is honored to be entrusted to care for Uncle John and his Family.