Robert "Wayne" Crosby

Robert Wayne Crosby of Asheville, NC died peacefully at Solace on September 18, 2025.

Wayne was born in Charleston, SC on June 18, 1949, a son of the late Margaret Kinard Crosby and Alfred Dowling Crosby, Jr.

His family moved to Charlotte, NC in 1963, where he met his future wife, Claudia. They were married in January, 1969, shortly before Wayne’s deployment to Vietnam with the U.S. Marines, and have remained married for 56 years. Wayne and Claudia moved to Asheville, NC in August, 1979 and have enjoyed their mountain home for 46 years.

“Family, friends and business associates remember Wayne for his wonderful sense of humor, always ready with a joke and seeing life in a lighthearted way. He had a bold and engaging personality which served him very well during the over 25 years he worked in sales. Wayne and Claudia were privileged to travel in the United States and abroad due to his winning sales contests which rewarded them with all expense paid trips on many occasions. They also owned a 1956 T-Bird for several years, and were members of an interstate T-Bird club, where Wayne edited the club newsletter and planned events in North Carolina. He also served as DJ at events with other club members from several states as they remembered and celebrated the music and times of the 1950’s. Wayne was an avid reader, and an expert on WWII. He loved his country, and was proud to serve in the Marine Corps during the Viet Nam war.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Al and Margaret Crosby, a sister, Judith, and brother, Al. He is survived by his wife, Claudia, sisters and aunts-in-law, and nieces and nephews. He is greatly loved and missed.”

Groce Funeral Home’s Lake Julian team is assisting the family.