Obituary of Roy Marshall Croson

ROY MARSHALL CROSON On Wednesday afternoon , April 20th, 2016, our beloved Roy Marshall Croson, age 69, died in Charleston, South Carolina at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) following emergency surgery for a torn aorta. Earlier that morning, tests were done at McLeod Seacoast Hospital in Little River, South Carolina that revealed the torn aorta. Within 30 minutes, Roy was flown by medical helicopter to Charleston. Roy's surgeon was Dr. John Ikonomidis , Chief Cardiothoracic Surgery, MUSC who has 18 years experience in his field. Roy survived the successful operation but his heart failed in post op. Roy was a loving husband to his wife of 44 years, Frances Croson, and devoted father to his two daughters, Karen Christian (John) and Kimberly Lee (Robert). Roy totally loved and enjoyed being a grandfather to his six grandchildren: Karen: John Thomas [Jack] Kelley (12 yrs.), Andrew [Drew] Marshall Kelley (10 yrs.), Sean Ryan Kelley (8 yrs.), Lillian [Lily] Eve Christian (3 yrs.). Kimberly: Samantha [Sam] Maureen (7 yrs.) and Robert Aaron [R.J.]. (4 yrs.). Roy is survived by his brother Jack Croson (Gail) of Tennessee and his sister, Helen Suddueth of Washington. Roy was preceded in death by his mother and father and brothers Lester, Robert, Claudis [Gene], William, Walter [Sonny], and a sister Doris. Roy was born on March 22nd, 1947 in Arlington, Virginia to Walter Jennings Croson and Lillie Mae Barb. Roy's father was a dairy farmer in Arcola, Virginia. His mother was a housewife and mother of nine and raised others in the family due to family circumstances. Roy often spoke of his mother's strength growing up in difficult times with limited resources and her ability to "stretch a penny." Roy was so proud of his father's hard work ethic as a dairy farmer. Now we know where Roy got his hard work ethic and his ability to be frugal with his funds. Roy had the unique experience of viewing the building of Dulles International Airport (IAD) and relayed stories of playing in the fields adjacent to the construction site and witnessing the first official flights into and out of the airport. The planes were so close he could read the call letters off the planes' tails. To earn extra money in the summer, Roy mowed lawns and worked for Carl Day, the owner of the lone grocery store in Arcola, Pangle's. He was so proud of the times Mr. Day would leave him solely in charge of the store. Roy was already earning the trust of others at this early age. Shortly after the airport opened and during high school, Roy was employed by Marriott's Catering Division, the sole provider of food services for the airlines at that time. He also drove a school bus finishing up his run and then running to make his first class of the day. Roy graduated from Loudon County High School in 1965 and immediately began attending evening classes in business at Northern Virginia Community College where he graduated in 1975 with an Associates Degree in Business Administration. On August 29, 1965, while attending college classes at night, Roy began his employment with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) as a Human Resources Officer. He retired from the CIA on September 3, 2004. After retirement, he continued to work as a consultant to the CIA for eight years for ManTech International and CACI. He provided a total of 47 years of service to his country and the CIA. Roy was so proud of his government service and especially his last staff position where for ten years he supported the Office of Communications employees. He built long-lasting relationships and friendships during his career at the Agency where he was regarded as a trusted confidant, advisor, and subject matter expert. Roy worked tirelessly as an advocate for his employees and, through these actions, won the respect and admiration of many. He finally retired in 2013 and moved to Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina where he was excited about starting a new chapter in his life and enjoy living in the beautiful Ocean Ridge Plantation community time to play more golf and enjoy family and friends who might visit him at the beach. Who knew this would only be for less than three years. Roy loved golf, baseball (Washington Nationals), and football--especially his beloved Dallas Cowboys. Three days after Roy's death, we received a letter in the mail from the Dallas Cowboys organization offering their condolences and thanking Roy for his dedication as a Dallas Cowboys fan. Roy loved his Cowboys team and had no shame wearing his Cowboys apparel in Redskin territory. Roy also loved his pet dachshund, Rudy, who provided years of love and enjoyment to Roy and the family. Funeral services are being coordinated by Adams-Green Funeral Home, 721 Elden Street, Herndon, Virginia. Viewing: Wednesday, April 27 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Funeral Mass: Thursday, April 28 at 11:00 AM. St. Joseph's Catholic Church 750 Peachtree Street Herndon, Va. Burial: (Immediately following Mass) Bright View Cemetery 8265 Lunsford Road Warrenton, Va. Reception after Burial: 2:30 to 4:30 PM The Inn at Vint Hill 4200 Aiken Drive Warrenton, Va. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to Dr. Ikonomidis' Cardiothoracic Research Center in Charleston, South Carolina where they are working on Cardiothoracic research for the condition that killed Roy. Checks may be made to: MUSC, Cardiothoracic Surgical Research Center. The address is: MUSC Cardiothoracic Research Center Suite BM-282 114 Doughty Street Charleston, South Carolina 29425