Mr. John Dell Crosby entered into this world, sunrising on November 26, 1946, and transitioning to his heavenly home on April 30, 2026. He was born into a loving marriage between his late parents, John and Victoria Crosby, where they resided in Conway, South Carolina. John, also known by his childhood nickname, Sonny, was the firstborn of his mother’s ten children. Sonny received his education in the Horry County School System, located in South Carolina.

Throughout his life, John worked faithfully in roles that reflected his deep love of service. He honorably served in the United States Army for more than ten years with the 82nd Airborne Division, where he proudly attained the rank of Sergeant First Class (SFC, E-7) and served as a Drill Sergeant, a position he carried with great pride. He retired as a veteran of the United States Army in November 2006.

Following his military service, John continued his commitment to others through his work with the High Point Police Department. He later spent many years as a professional truck driver, a career he truly enjoyed. Known by the handle name “Bronco,” he dedicated more than twenty years to the profession, traveling through all fifty states. Truck driving afforded him the opportunity to see new places, meet new people, and experience more of the world he deeply appreciated. His love for the open road remained strong, and he continued working as a truck driver as recently as 2023, until his health no longer allowed him to continue.

John was a kind and loving man who never met a stranger. He had a gift for conversation and connecting with people from all walks of life. Once you knew John, you became family. With a heart of gold, he was always supportive and willing to help in any way he could.

John cherished his time with family and friends. He especially enjoyed his elders. As a young man graduating from high school, he spent several years living with and assisting his elderly, maternal grandfather, Jesse DeBerry. Whether sharing conversations about current events, playing cards and board games with his grandsons, or watching, discussing, and analyzing sports, John truly loved laughter and being around people. He was, at heart, a true people person. He was also an avid fan of basketball and football. He was a dedicated supporter of Duke Basketball and the Dallas Cowboys football team. He was a lover of music, especially gospel music, whereas up to his final days, he would request loved ones to play some of his favorite gospel tunes, quoting the song title and artist to the T.

John accepted Christ as his Savior early in his life. On Thursday, April 16, 2026, John rededicated his life to Jesus Christ. After rededicating his life to Christ, his words were, “I’ll serve Him all my days.” In His goodness, God honored John’s words by blessing him with fourteen additional days to serve Him on this earth before calling him home.

Preceding John in death were his father and mother, Mr. & Mrs. John and Victoria Crosby, brothers, Ernest Crosby and Otis Crosby, and his sister, Patsy Crosby.

Left to cherish John’s precious memories are: his life partner, Mary Ingram; his two daughters, Angela Maxwell and LaChandle Nowling (Melvin); stepchildren, Glendale Leach and Shelia Leach; his three beloved grandsons, Micah, Myles, and Matthew; his siblings, Martha Winston (Ellis), Debbie Hightower, Davie Crosby (Martha), Norwood Crosby (Patricia), Tommie Crosby and Vickie Cradle, and a host of cousins, nephews, nieces, other family members and friends who loved him dearly.

One of John’s favorite expressions, especially in his final days, was his heartfelt response whenever someone told him, “Love you” — he would reply, “Love you more.” Those words reflect the warmth, kindness, and love he shared so freely. We will always cherish the love, laughter, and memories we shared with John, and his life and legacy will forever remain in our hearts and be remembered with love.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Funeral service will be held Friday, May 8, 2026 at Phillips Funeral Service Chapel at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Carolina Biblical Gardens. The family will receive friends at the chapel from 10:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.