Wayne William "Butch" Crosby

Wayne William Crosby, Jr., age 79, of Jefferson, passed away Monday, June 22, 2026 while he was surrounded by his loving family. 

“Butch,” as he was known to his friends and family, was born in Auburn, New York to the late Wayne William Crosby, Sr. and Ruth Elizabeth Woodward Crosby.  He grew up in Fairport, New York and gained lifelong friends as part of the class of 1964.  He raised his family in the First Congregational Church of Fairport before moving to Georgia later in life. Alongside his father, Butch owned Crosby Equipment Company.  

During the Vietnam era, Butch bravely volunteered to enlist in the United States Army where he served two years of active duty followed by six years in the Reserves. 

Having loved to work meticulously with his hands, Butch spent countless hours woodworking and constructing layouts for his numerous model trains.  He will be remembered for his love of family and most importantly, his love of being Grandpa. 

Butch is survived by his wife of 58 years, Phyllis Crosby; two sons and daughters in law, Brian Scott Crosby (Emily Carr) and Todd Alan Crosby (Cynthia); four grandchildren, Reid Carr, Hunter Crosby, Bowen Crosby, and Knox Crosby; sister and brother in law, Constance Higgins (Robert); and many special nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

A celebration of Butch’s life will take place at 2:00 PM, Saturday, August 1, 2026 at Hillside Memorial Chapel.  The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1-2 PM.

Memorials may be directed to the Jackson County Animal Shelter; or to a charity supporting Leukemia research.

Arrangements by Hillside Memorial Chapel & Gardens, Clarkesville.

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