Mr. Harry Lee Croley, 87, of Barbourville, peacefully passed away Monday afternoon, November 2, 2020 surrounded by his family and in the arms of his loving wife at home. He was the son of the late Charley and Gladys Foley Croley born on June 10, 1933 in Knox County.
Harry attended and graduated school in Louellen and moved to Texas in 1955. He was in the Air Force from 1953-1957 and spent four years in the Air Force Reserve. He then worked for Bell Textron Helicopter and retired after 37 and a half years. Harry was a 32nd degree Mason at Lodge #1218 and a member of the Kirkwood United Methodist Church in Irving, TX. After retiring, he returned to his boyhood home in Knox County to work on his family farm.
Harry never met a stranger. His jovial manner and easy smile always brought joy to family and friends alike. He was a loving husband, parent, grandparent and great grandparent, hard worker and loved helping others. Harry especially had a love for children. He enjoyed mowing and working on his farm and would always take the time to ask how others were doing. He will be missed by everyone that was blessed to have known him.
On September 30, 1989, he united in marriage with Zelma Wells.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Russell Croley and Milbern Croley and a special aunt, Eunice Foley Gibson.
Survivors include his loving wife of 31 years, Zelma Croley of Barbourville; two children, Lavonda Lambdin and husband, Mike, of Woodbine and Stephen Lee Croley and wife, Ellen, of TX; six grandchildren, John Elliott, Steve Elliott, Zach Croley, Sarah Beth Croley, Allan Janes and Jerin Croley and wife, Caressa; five great grandchildren; three nephews, Russell Croley Jr., who was like a brother, and his wife, Julie, Mark Croley and Tommy Croley; among other loved ones and dear friends.
His funeral service will be conducted in the chapel of the Knox Funeral Home Saturday, November 7 at 2 P.M. with Rev. Jimmy Siler officiating. Military funeral honors will follow the service. Entombment will be in the Cumberland Memorial Gardens at Lily.
Casket bearers will be Mike Lambdin, Mike Wells, Zachary Croley, Allan Janes, Steven Elliott and John Elliott. Honorary bearers will be Herb Wells, Mark Patterson, Kenneth Jackson, Kenneth Cobb, Russell Croley Jr., Matt Croley, Jay Rogers and Jake Clairon.
Friends may call at the funeral home Saturday after 12 noon until the funeral hour.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.
Please remember, during the continuing COVID-19 event, capacity restrictions and social distancing guidelines will be followed during all services including the wearing of face coverings as mandated by the Governor of Kentucky for the safety of our families, guests and staff.
Send a condolence to the family of HARRY LEE CROLEY.
For questions about our obituaries or condolence service, please contact us. You may reach us via e-mail at knoxfuneralhome@barbourville.com. Reach us via phone by calling 606-546-2222.