RALPH W. CROSBY 

     Ralph William “Bill” Crosby, age 84, passed away on Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at his home following a courageous battle with cancer.  He was born August 23, 1925 to the late Ralph and Dorothy Crosby of San Mateo, FL.  Bill served in the U.S. Navy during WWII, in New Caledonia.  He then attended the University of Florida, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree.  On October 15, 1950, he was united in marriage to Anne Ranson Crosby in Delray Beach, FL.  Bill and Anne resided in San Mateo, owning an operating “Sunset Hill”, a family owned orange grove since 1873.   Bill also worked as a health inspector with the Putnam County Health Department.  Bill was a member of San Mateo Presbyterian Church, where he served as an Elder; Clerk of the Session, Usher and as a Sunday school teacher for several years.  He was a longtime Boy Scout leader with troop 233 and a Volunteer First Responder with the Riverside Volunteer Fire Department.  He retired from both the military and State Department.  Bill and his family spent summer vacations in the old family home in Highlands, NC, where Bill was an avid hiker with the Nantahala Hiking Club, serving as a hike leader and clearing the trails in t he Appalachian Mountains.  He was also an associate member of Highlands Presbyterian Church.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Anne Crosby.

     Bill is survived by 2 daughters and their husband, Jane Register and Garry, Mary Jo Stalvey and Jeff; 2 sons and their wives, Frank Crosby and Sabrina, Bunk Crosby and Karen; 6 grandchildren, Janna Harmon, Heather Stores and husband ,Jo, William “Bunk” Wolfe, III, Paisley Crosby, Tyler Crosby and Layton Crosby.  He is further survived by step-grandchildren, other relatives and many friends.

     Graveside services for Bill will be held 1:00 PM, Sunday, January 24^th at San Mateo Cemetery, San Mateo Road in San Mateo with Reverend Noel White officiating.  The U.S. Navy will conduct military honors.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to San Mateo Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 57, San Mateo, Florida 32187.

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Mike and Chris Brown
Boynton Beach, FL 33426
Was just looking for a number to call you and found Uncle Bill's obituary on the computer. We are so very sorry to learn of his death. If you recieve this please contact us at 561-523-1768 or 561-255-7008. You are in our prayers. Love, Mike and Chris
 

My heart goes out to you "the Crosby family".  I lost my mother to a stroke in October of 2009 and my father who is now 82 is struggling with cancer (pancreatic & now colon).  They too were married 58 years and have had a wonderful marriage (a rare thing today). I find it amazing the warmth and love that has been shown to my family during our time of loss and want to pass on to you that our prayers & thoughts are with you as well.  Bill was a faithful "volunteer" for us in the USDA - FS in Highlands and I truly enjoyed our relationship with him. Chad & Linda Boniface, (retired operations forester) from the "old Highlands Ranger District"

Chad Boniface ~ Franklin, NC

I have such good memories of NHC hikes with Bill over many years and am sad that he is so longer with us.I will think of Anne and him each time I pass the house in Highlands.
  I send my deep sympathy to all of the family.  Mary McLaurin

Mary McLaurin ~ Anderson, SC and Highlands, NC

Frank, Sabrina, Paisley, Tyler and the entire Crosby Family -
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May knowing that your father/grandfather is now resting comfortably in the arms of our Heavenly Father bring you comfort. No more pain or sorrow, only rejoicing. May God's grace bring you comfort and strength and may your faith see you through these trying days. What a beautiful family love you all shared - treasure those thoughts, for that love was truly a gift. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers. God bless. Love, Mary Ann 

Mary Ann Ahearn ~ Palm Coast, FL

Janie, Mary Jo, and Frank, I am very sorry to learn about the passing of your father. My prayers are with you and your family.

Karen Hughes ~ Palatka, FL

Janie,
  I offer my condolences to you and your dear family at this time of your Dad's death. I was glad to have known him at least some through you. I am very impressed with the many good things he had accomplished, as noted in the obituary. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. - Kenny Jones

Kenny Jones ~ Homerville, GA

I met Anne and Bill Crosby in the early 50's when my Mother moved to San Mateo.  They were two of the finest peple I have ever known.  Anne, with her warm smile and beautiful voice and Bill with his dry wit.  They were the heart and soul of the community.  I know they are together in heaven and we have lost two of God's gift to humanity.

Ron Mull ~ Longwood, Florida

We have so many good memories of Bill and Anne -- the time Anne, Ruth Rogero and i, along with all of our children, climbed the mountain with Bunk, hardly bigger than a minute, climbing that mountain like a fly on the wall  -- the trips to the ruby mine  -- the mountain streams with amethysts  -- the field trip to Gainesville to search for shark's teeth -- the Children's Museum -- Boy Scouts -- Recreation Club and Phil will never forget the comraderie of the card players, Bill, Joe, Tommy, Harry -- the fishing trips and that deep sea trip during rough seas.  I think it was Bill who remarked at the end of that grueling trip, "I'm supposed to pay for this!"
Through the years we've not been as close as we once were, but the Crosby family will be always with us in our hearts and memories.

Nancy and Phil Alvers ~ San Mateo, Florida