William “Bill” R. Crooks, 74, of Fairhope, Ala., took his last ride Sunday after battling cancer.

He will be truly missed by his wife, lover and soulmate of 53 years, Carole (Dietz) Crooks; his sons, William C. Crooks and his favorite daughter-in-law, Katie, both of Loxley, Ala., and Erik Crooks and his friend, Tammy Alexander, of Hillards, Pa.; and his granddaughter, Megan (Girl) Crooks and his grandson, William J. Crooks, both of Loxley, Ala.

He was the beloved uncle of Rick Begenwald, whose children were very dear to Uncle Bill.

He is also survived by his brother, Dan (Mickey) Crooks of Russellton, Pa.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia “Sissy” Begenwald.

Bill was born in Pittsburgh and raised in Sharpsburg, Pa., and Hampton, Pa., and spent many years living in Bakerstown, Pa. He was a mason of the John E. Maier Lodge.

Bill worked for Buhl Optical, Pepsi Cola and his own trucking business, Crawford Beverage & Penski. He had such a love for trucks and was once featured in Owner Operator Magazine. He was also a great mechanic and every story started with, “When I drove truck.”

He never met a stranger and was a great friend and mentor to many.

CROOKS — There will be no services for William “Bill” R. Crooks, who died Sunday, May 29, 2016.