Titus Stuart Critcher

Titus Stuart Critcher, “Stuart”, 93, of Raleigh, passed away Saturday, July 30, 2016 at Transitions LifeCare in Raleigh holding hands with his beloved wife of 66 years, Katie Leggette Critcher, and surrounded by all of his family. Their most precious marriage was filled with unfailing love, acts of kindness and smiles. True soulmates and a true love story!

Born September 29, 1922 in Williamston, NC, Stuart loved nature. His passion was turkey hunting, duck hunting, and fishing. Stuart never knew a stranger. He was always happy and he never said an unkind word about anyone: a gentle soul. He loved his family dearly and was devoted to his church. Stuart and Katie were one of the first founding members of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and Stuart was the first senior warden at St. Mark’s.

Stuart is survived by his wife, Katie; daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Steve Lindsey of Raleigh; son and daughter-in-law, Brad and Lenora Critcher of Cary; grandchildren, Sutton Barbrey and wife Lee Anne, Kaylan Barbrey, Amanda Critcher Walker and husband Stephan, and Meredith Critcher Dack and husband Todd; step granddaughter, Kristen Lindsey Shimer and husband John; and one great granddaughter, Vivian Walker. He is also survived by his brother, Morton Winslow Critcher.

Stuart is preceded in death by his parents, Titus Samuel Critcher and Mildred Andrews Critcher of Williamston, NC as well as his brother, James Andrews Critcher.

In his early years, Stuart loved fishing in the Roanoke River and the Outer Banks, where he spent time at his family's cottage in Nags Head. He fell in love with Katie Leggette, Miss Williamston, and married her on June 24, 1950.

Stuart attended NC State College starting in Fall 1940 and was enrolled in ROTC at NC State College from May 1942 until he was called for active duty in the US Army on April 6, 1943 with the 89th Infantry Division. Upon entering active duty, he was deployed to the European Theater of Operations from July 1944 until October 1945 where he commanded as an Antitank Platoon Leader during the Battle of the Bulge. For his service, he was awarded an ATO Ribbon, an EAME Medal with Two Battle Stars, and a WWII Victory Medal.

Upon discharge as a First Lieutenant from active duty, Stuart was appointed to the Officers’ Reserve Corps until his final discharge from service on December 17, 1953. Upon his return from service, he received his undergraduate and master’s degree in Wildlife Management from NC State College.

Stuart devoted his entire professional career of 38 years to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. As Assistant Chief of the Wildlife Resources Commission and then Chief of Habitat Conservation, Stuart developed the North Carolina Bald Eagle Project in 1982 which successfully brought Bald Eagles back to our state. In 1981, Stuart received the Governor’s Award from the National Wildlife Federation as Wildlife Conservationist of the Year.

Beyond his hobbies of fishing and hunting, Stuart was recognized as a master carver of birds and decoys. He enjoyed collecting antique decoys, restoring antique fishing rods and reels, spent Sunday afternoons looking for arrowheads, and even made duck and turkey calls. When it came to outdoor living and waterfowl, he knew his subject matter well.

Evidenced in his life was that with Christ you can know real love. It is in Him and the hearts of the people Christ plants with you … the people of light and of love … where one fully comes to understand love. Stuart uncompromisingly knew this love with his most special bride, Katie. From sunrise to sundown, day by day in one another’s eyes, Katie and Stuart shared this love that sustained life.

His memorial service will be held Friday, August 5, 2016 at 1:00 PM at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1725 N New Hope Rd., Raleigh, NC 27604. Inurnment will follow in the Memorial Garden at St. Mark’s with military honors. The family will then receive friends in the Community Life Center at the church.

As our family celebrates Stuart’s life, we would like to thank Transitions LifeCare for their compassionate care of our beloved husband, dad and papa, and for their loving, gentle guidance for his wife, Katie. Also, we would like to thank The Reverend Deacon, Sallie Simpson of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church for being with our family throughout his journey. We also would like to acknowledge the love and kindness given to him by Barbara Hocutt, his home care provider.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and Transitions LifeCare at 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.

Arrangements are under the care of Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's St, Raleigh, NC 27605. You may also share memories and condolences by visiting www.brownwynne.com