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E. Wayne ‘JR’ Cropper Jr., campground owner

February 21, 2021

E. Wayne Cropper Jr. affectionately known as “J.R.”, 59, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family Friday, Feb. 19, 2021, after a short battle with ALS.  

J.R. was born in Milford Nov. 23, 1961, son of Elisha Wayne Cropper Sr. and Darleen (Mumford) Cropper.  He lived his entire life in the Dagsboro area and graduated from Indian River High School class of 1979.  

J.R. was the owner and operator of Gulls Way Campground, and was also a hardworking farmer.  His life revolved around working with his hands, whether he was farming, hunting or fishing.  J.R. was also a member of Delaware Lodge #37 A.F.&A.M. in Dagsboro.  

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Harold and Myrtle Mumford, and paternal grandparents, Elisha and Lina Cropper.  J.R. is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 37 years, Kimberly R. (McCabe) Cropper; his son, Keith Wayne Cropper of Dagsboro; a grandson, Kannon Cropper of Dagsboro; his parents, Elisha Wayne Cropper Sr. and Darleen M. Cropper; his brother, David Cropper and his wife Marie of Dagsboro; and his faithful canine companion, Bella.  He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Peggy Schaffer of Frankford; a sister-in-law, Teal (McCabe) Richards and her husband Scott of Ocean View; two brothers-in-law, John McCabe and his wife Roxanne of Texas, and Shane Schaffer and his wife Shannon of Dagsboro; and several nieces and nephews.

A walk-through viewing will be held from 9:30 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, Feb. 24, at the Frankford Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 43 Thatcher St., Frankford.  A private Masonic service and funeral service will follow for the family.  Entombment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Dagsboro.  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing protocols will be observed and masks are required for those in attendance.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in J.R.’s name to Delaware Lodge #37 A.F. & A.M., PO Box 411, Dagsboro, DE 19939.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com

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