Hugh B. Cromer, Sr.

Hugh B. Cromer, Sr.Mr. Hugh B. Cromer, Sr., 95, of Forsyth, passed away on Friday, March 28. Born and raised in Ideal, Georgia, he was preceded in death by his parents, Annie and Horace Cromer and a sister, Frances Cromer Meek. In addition to his wife of more than 66 years, Alice (Vaughn), Mr. Cromer is survived by three children - Hugh B. Cromer, Jr. (Karen), Barbara McConnell (David), and Walter Cromer (Janet). Other survivors include grandchildren - Dr. Marcus (Erin) Cromer, Kelly Quezada (Gerardo), Lori Oakes (John), Annie Wilkes (Matt), Meg Harmon (Pat), Rachel, John, and Emma Cromer. He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren. Surviving sisters include Helen Littlejohn, Marie Clements, and Marie Jones, and a sister-in-law, Helen V. Parsons, in addition to numerous nieces and nephews.  As a child, he attended a one-room school and was the only boy of 11 students in his graduating class. In 1938, he started a job with the ASC plotting land from photographs over more than 40 counties in Georgia. The pay was $4/day and he had to furnish his own transportation using a 1934 Ford, which he bought for $350.  He worked his way through ABAC and completed his junior and senior year at the University of Georgia in one year, where he was business manager of the Red and Black, member of Blue Key Honor Society, Gridiron, and Who's Who of College Students.  He became Lamar County Extension Agent on January 1, 1945, and served in this position until 1949, when he bought a farm and established a dairy in Monroe County. To supplement income he also had a chicken and later a turkey operation for several years. After five years, he turned to dairying and farming full-time. Because of its impact on soil conservation, he was proud to become one of the first farmers to practice "no-till" farming in this area.   After 35 years, he sold the dairy operation and continued a beef cattle operation. He could still be spotted on his tractor at age 85 and continued to mentor young farmers.  Mr. Cromer was a member of First Baptist Church, Forsyth, for over 50 years, where he served as deacon, Sunday School teacher, and Training Union leader.   He served on the Board of Directors of Lamar EMC (now known as Southern Rivers Energy) for more than 50 years. In 2007 he was presented the Georgia Distinguished Cooperators Award by the Georgia Cooperative Council Incorporated.  Visitation will be Sunday, March 30, from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm. A graveside service will be held on Monday, March 31, at 11:00 am at Monroe Hills Memorial Gardens, with Dr. Dan Whitaker officiating.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Georgia Baptist Children's Home, P.O. Box 329, Palmetto, Georgia. 30268, in memory of Hugh Cromer, Sr.  The family wishes to express with gratitude the loving care given him by his devoted caretakers.  Monroe County Memorial Chapel has charge of arrangements.