Joe Crook

Joseph Earl Crook, Jr. "Joe" - don't call him Mr. Crook (that was his dad) - passed away Thursday, June 30, 2016 at Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home surrounded by his family and friends. He was born January 5, 1949, in St. George, SC to Frances Wimberly Crook of Spartanburg and the late Reverend Joseph Earl Crook, Sr. Daddy was a BBQ Pitmaster extraordinaire, avid outdoorsman, and loved a good western. While daddy was physically a big man his personality was also larger than life. He never met a stranger. He amassed friends wherever he went, enjoying many life­long friendships. He was a tremendous storyteller, a gentle teacher, and lover of good humor. Before he became sick you could see him working the cash register at his beloved Pig Out Restaurants, his first being The Pig Out on New Cut Road which he opened in 1999. After much success and requests from his Eastside customers, Joe opened his second Pig Out in 2014. From a young age he developed a passion for nature. He loved hunting, fishing, and being outdoors. He was active in many wildlife conservation organizations such as Ducks Unlimited, Harry Hampton, National Wild Turkey Federation, and QDMA. Driving his tractor was one of his favorite pastimes. He also loved cooking for his supper club buddies. Daddy was a lot like a modern John Wayne ­ authentic. He lived by a code that was not negotiable. Your word is your honor. You work hard and provide for your family. Treat people "the right way". It's that authenticity that will be missed by all who knew him. Daddy was more than happy to spend his life surrounded by women! He particularly loved spunky blondes. He married my mother, the great love of his life, Dianne Phillips Crook in 1972. They spent seven peaceful years traveling and fishing before starting a family. In 1978, his favorite daughter Jennifer Bauer was born and in 2003 he finally got that son he always wanted, Jason Bauer. He never missed a chance to make fun of Jennifer for losing her phone, her keys, but never her children. Despite living in a house of women, he took his fashion cues from no one. His signature look was his Pig Out shirt, khaki pants, muck boots, and a styrofoam cup. He adored his three grandchildren - Katherine Elizabeth Bauer, who affectionately named him "Big Buddy" when he (literally) bought her a pallet of spaghettiOs and a box of ring pops. He loved picking her up from Pine Street School and chauffeuring her to her many afterschool activities. William Joseph Bauer, who would cruise Converse Heights with Big Buddy, checking out the construction sites and checking on the local chickens. William loved a good tractor ride as much as his Buddy. Mary (Millie) Ruthenbeck Bauer, though she is only seven months old, spent many nights in his strong yet loving arms. In addition, he leaves behind a stepmother, Jane B. Crook; brother, Paul R. Crook; sister­in­law, Mary Vasiloff (Bruce), brother-in-law, Wayne Phillips (Anne), and sister­in­law, Brenda Tomlinson (Phil); two special nephews, Jonathan Young and Joseph Vasiloff; and honorary son, Mark McDowell. Mom and I would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Spartanburg Medical Center and the Regional Hospice Home for their compassionate care. We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our Pig Out BBQ family for stepping up and taking care of daddy's "other babies". A very special thank you to Clarke Smart Brannon for helping us navigate the tough days following daddy's diagnosis and Father Rob Brown who guided us spiritually. Despite Daddy's "No Fuss, No Muss" views on death, there will be certain events held in his honor­ to which I can only guess he would have responded "Whatever". Visitation will be 2:00-4:00 PM Tuesday, July 5, 2016, at Morningside Baptist Church Welcome Center, 897 S. Pine St., Spartanburg, SC 29302. A celebration of his life will follow at 4:30 PM, in the sanctuary, conducted by the Rev. Dr. Kirk H. Neely and the Rev. Robert L. Brown. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home, 686 Jeff Davis Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29303; Harry Hampton Memorial Wildlife Fund, PO Box 2641, Columbia, SC 29202; or Mobile Meals Service, PO Box 461, Spartanburg, SC 29304. Though it is with great sadness that we say goodbye to an extraordinary husband, father, and grandfather we are happy he is no longer in pain. A piece of daddy lives on as we watch his grandchildren grow, his businesses continue to flourish, and every time we see a pig we can't help but smile. Happy Trails to you, until we meet again. Love, Dianne and Jennifer Floyd's North Church Street Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Joe Crook please visit our Sympathy Store.