The final bell tolls for Edward ‘Eddie’ Crook Jr.

Crook—– Muhammad Ali, then Cassicus Clay shares a few moments of down time during the1960 Olympics with roommate Edward ‘Eddie’ Crook.Crook 1—–1960 Olympic Gold Medallist Edward Crook Jr., with his Gold Medal around his neck.Westside Gazette staff writer 1960 Olympic Gold Medallist Edward Crook Jr. passed away on Monday, July 25th in Montgomery, Alabama. Eddie, as he was affectionately referred to was the Middle Weight Boxing Champion, and part of the dynamic Olympic Team with Muhammad Ali and Wilbur “Skitter” McClure. The culmination of a boxing career that began when he was growing up in Detroit at the Career-Brewster Center, eventually led to his achieving the Golden Glove Championship Award, and the winner of several military championships. Following his Olympic accomplishments, Eddie retired from boxing and pursued a career with the U.S. Army gaining several athletic achievements with the All Army Football Team. He served as quarterback on the championship football team and was named The Most Valuable Player of the Berlin Bears, and the CISM Champion-European. Eddie demonstrated his leadership skills during his 30 years in the military by being appointed Command Sergeant Major and served two tours in Vietnam. His dedicated service earned him the “Silver Star”, two “Purple Hearts”, and a “Bronze Star”. In 1961, Eddie was appointed as the Goodwill Ambassador for the United States and the continent of Africa. His love for the development of young minds and willingness to share his skills and knowledge, led him to mentor many individuals including Coach Kenny Adams, the first African American Boxing Coach for the Olympics. He supported the boxing program at Fort Benning, Georgia and established a program called the “Smokers”. He further assisted in the selection of the 1988 Olympic hopefuls at the Olympic Training Camp in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Eddie was a speaker on behalf of the Georgia Olympics, United States Postal Services and he assisted with the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. Eddie obtained a degree in Business Management from Troy State University in Fort Benning, Georgia. He and was a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. and active member of Saint John AME Church in Columbus, Georgia. Eddie precedes his loving wife Fannie Crook of Columbus, Georgia, and children; Terri Crook of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Alison Franklin of Louisville, Kentucky, Edward Crook III of Atlanta, Georgia, Jerry Crook and Michael Crook of Detroit, Michigan, Brenda Petit of Atlanta, Georgia, Malinda Crook and Sandra Crook-Walker of Lansing, Michigan. Grandchildren; Janae Copeland, Shanell Henry, Zina Crook, Ebony Crook, Tiann Crook, Patricia Crook, Shaila Crook, Sean McGee, Chad Crook, Joseph Crook, George Crook, Jerry Crook Jr., Brandy Crook, Brian Crook, Mikesha Kosoko. Sister-in-laws Vera Whittlesey, Janet Davis, Maryanne Carter, brother-in-law Ralph Rogers, a close family friend Carrie Sumrall, a Godson Christopher Jackson and numerous great grand children, loving relatives, friends, acquaintances, and fans. The Eddie Crook Jr. Youth Leadership Development Foundation will be established in his honor to continue his legacy in inspiring youth to reach their full potential.