Remember

Michael Wayne Croom

  • September 13, 1947 - July 9, 2012
  • Russellville, Arkansas
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Memories & Candles


Dear Mrs. Croom,
Today I received the Tech publication that informed me of Mr. Croom's passing. I just kept reading it over and over trying to accept what I was reading. I am deeply saddened by this news, and have been thinking of those years from beginning band with you at Central Jr. High to high school graduation (1980). You and Mr. Croom opened up the world of band and the love of music in my life. Along with Mr. Brandon

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Posted by: John Borengasser - Borden, IN - former student   Sep 01, 2012

Dearest Kandi and Joey, how very saddened I am to learn about Mike. How very proud Raymond Brandon and my dad, Chief Witherspoon, were and are of Mike and his many accomplishments.Having known Mike for 47 years, I have seen his many,many talents,his gifted musicianship and his ability to touch so many lives through his teaching. I just learned of this tragic loss last night and am still in shock. My heart and prayers are with you and yours.God bless you and keep you.
Jill Witherspoon Dean.


Posted by: Jill W. Dean - Ft. Smith, AR - Friend,classmate   Aug 03, 2012

Mr. Croom had a profound influence on my teaching career. He always had time to help and guide young teachers and would take time out of his own school day to come and listen and give his advise. He was truly a man of integrity.


Posted by: Ed Gay - Fayetteville, AR - colleague   Jul 22, 2012

So sorry to hear of Mr. Croom's passing. I will never forget my time in the band at Northeast High School. My boys are starting band this fall, and I can only hope they have a band director that means as much to them as Mr. Croom meant to me. I am sorry for your loss.


Posted by: Pam (Wyatt) Robertson - Springfield, MO - Student - NE High 1985   Jul 17, 2012

Kandi:

I was shocked and extremely saddened to learn of Mike's passing. I genuinely admired his abilities and accomplishments. Also, I thoroughly enjoyed working with him through the years.

I share your grief.

May the grace and comfort of God that passes all understanding be with you and your family.

Elvis
Posted by: Elvis Grigsby - Little Rock, AR - Friend   Jul 16, 2012

Dear Kandi and family,
We were shocked and saddened to learn of Mike's death. We were also not aware that you had lost a child and Patrick, as well. Please accept our sincerest sympathies...it's hard to believe that decades have passed since we last saw you. I think that it might have been the party at Linda and Bill Elliott's prior to our move to CA.
We do, however, have many wonderful memories of the Croom family...birthday parties as children when it

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Posted by: Ruthie and Alan Holland - Little Rock, AR - friend   Jul 15, 2012

Such an amazing legacy of lives touched...tough, but fair. He made all of us better students and people. RIP. My prayers are with the family.
Posted by: Robert Wyatt - Hartsville, SC - Student, Northeast class of 1980   Jul 14, 2012

There were so many in our Senior High class at N.L.R. High you did'nt get to know everybody well as we should of. Mike was like most of us, Enjoying life and wondering what's next. I have not seen him since May 1965. Sorry about your loss.

I send my prayers to all his family and friends. Just to let you know mike will be Always be remember.


Posted by: Michael Ladon Lucs - Austin, AR - High School Class mate   Jul 14, 2012

I was so sorry to hear about Mr. Croom. He had such a great impact on my life and he and Mrs. Croom became reallly good friends after I graduated from high school. My friends and I were always welcome to stop by their house in NLR. He actually talked me out of becoming a band director, crazy for one who had dedicated his life to helping others learn more about music and always pushing us to do better. Even though we had lost touch over the years, he remains as my favorite band director.
Posted by: Tom Nelson - Conway, AR - Former Student   Jul 14, 2012

Mr. Croom had a tremendous impact on my life, and instilled a strong passion for music within me. The days at NHS band were some of the happiest memories that I have. I am blessed to have had him as a teacher. He was truly an inspiration to all!


Posted by: Kayla Schmaus(Michel) - Former Student NHS '02   Jul 13, 2012