Jerome Bennett Crites

Jerome Bennett Crites, Sr. passed away peacefully at the age of 96 on April 4, 2022. A Mass celebrating his life and faith was held April 7, 2022 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, followed by interment with military honors at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Jerry was preceded in death by his loving wife of 75 years, Mildred Janet Lewis Crites. He is survived by his four sons, Jerome B. “Jerry” Crites, Jr.; Steven L. Crites; Kenneth G. Crites; and Richard E. Crites. While he earned many names over the years, the name he seemed to cherish most was being “Paa” to his nine grandchildren, their spouses, and his fourteen great-grandgrandchildren. Paa brought great happiness and joy to those third and fourth generation children who remained a part of his life. In addition to his immediate family, Jerry is also survived by his brother David Crites of Missouri, sister Judy Crites Brashear of Arkansas, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Known as Jerome to his Missouri family, but Jerry to his family and friends in Charleston, SC, he was born January 9, 1926 in Ancell, Missouri, the third oldest of ten children, to the late Elmer Dale Crites and Dorothy Katherine Grojean Crites.

Jerry was a member of the “Greatest Generation”, as Tom Brokaw coined the phrase, but he earned every distinction associated with being a part of that cohort of young men who came of age during this time. A fierce patriot, Jerry enlisted in the United States Navy in 1943 at the age of 17 because it was the right thing to do. Whether Jerry forged his parents’ signature so he could enlist early, or he actually had one sign on his behalf, was a matter of unsettled family history. Jerry served in the South Pacific Theatre during World War II aboard the USS Conway, a Fletcher class destroyer. He was called back to service during the Korean Conflict and again served in the Pacific, this time aboard the USS Joyce, an Edsall class destroyer escort. After his Navy service, Jerry went on to work at, and later retire from, the Charleston Naval Shipyard as a planner and estimator.

Jerry was an avid card player, with poker being his game of choice. Even at 95 years old, and only playing a quarter a hand, Jerry would more often than not leave an afternoon of poker besting friends twenty years his junior with five or six dollars in his pocket.

Jerry was an active member of several fraternal organizations over the years. He was a devout Catholic and longtime member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, where he was active in the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and was also a 4th Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus.

Jerry will be remembered for his humility, sense of humor, an ever-present smile, his infectious laugh, his not to worry attitude, and his deep love of life, country, family and faith.

The family would like to express their great admiration and thanks to Jeannie Parks for all of the care, compassion, and love she provided Jerry during his last few months. The family asks that memorials be made to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 1695 Raoul Wallenberg Boulevard, Charleston, SC 29407.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, 1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston, (843) 766-1365.