Sherrill Dean Cronk

Sherrill passed away peacefully at home on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024, surrounded by family.

He was born in Elliston on May 18, 1931, the youngest son of his late parents, Arthur F. Cronk, and Laura Hutton Cronk.  He is predeceased by his loving wife of 64 years, Betty Poff Cronk, brothers Wyatt Poff and Nyle Cronk, and sisters Martha Pearl Pittman and Jenny Henson.

Sherrill is also survived by his daughter Linda Miller (EM), son Mark Cronk (Alison), and daughter Trish Tarpley, his beloved grandchildren, Natalee Rinaca (Wade), Ken Miller (Annie), Kelsey Tarpley, Phillip Tarpley (Jaime), Sam Cronk, and Ryane Cronk, his greatgrandchildren, Sam and Carter Rinaca, Pyper and Leelin Miller, and Nathaniel Tarpley, along with many nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by the second love of his life, Gloria Anderson, who has been his loyal companion for over 10 years.

Sherrill was a hard worker and provider his whole life, starting work at 14 (with only a tiny fib about his age) at Green Hill Meatpackers.  He served in the Navy 1952-1956 in the Pacific Corridor during the Korean War as a Radarman 1st Class.  Returning to Elliston, he also returned to Green Hill where he quickly rose to Sales Manager.  He moved to Valleydale in 1982 as Sales Manager.

Sherrill served on the Board of the Salem Recreation Committee.  He secured land, funding and the support of a few loyal neighbors to build a playground in Beverly Heights, where a pavilion stands today named in his honor.

He served as President of the Roanoke Valley Grocery Manufacturers, on the Board of the Virginia Food Dealers Association, and taught Sunday School and served as Deacon of West Salem Baptist Church.

Sherrill was incredibly fortunate to have caregivers who loved him and whom he adored.  They enriched his life beyond measure, and the family will be forever grateful to Shanelle Ellington, Jaime McNabb and Lynette Smith for their dedication.

 Jeremy Howard and his team at Gentiva Hospice also held a special place in his heart.

The family will receive guests at 11 at Lotz Funeral Home in Salem on April 11, followed by a Celebration of Life at noon.  Military Honors will follow at Fair View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gentiva Hospice  or the Rescue Mission.

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