Honoring the life of Brigadier General (Retired) George Sherman Cronia, Sr.

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Brigadier General (Retired) George Sherman Cronia, Sr. passed away Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, at the age of 99.

George was born on November 23, 1926, to Albert Delmas Cronia and Inez Wilson Cronia in Vicksburg, MS. He graduated from Carr Central High School in 1944 where he played football, basketball and track. He enlisted in the Army in 1944 and after basic training joined the 82nd Airborne until 1946. He then enrolled in USM and graduated in May of 1950 with a degree in P. E. He taught at Brooklyn High School and coached until he joined the 106th Engineers and served 13 months in Korea. After coming home, he went back to USM in 1952 and received his M. A. in P. E.

During the summer of 1952 he met and married his wife of 73 years Lerlyne Hammond Cronia. They lived in Clinton for six years where George was boys head basketball coach. He also helped with football and track. There they had four children, two girls and two boys. George coached the Clinton Arrows to their 1958 State Championship. He then became athletic director and head coach until 1959, at which time he and family moved back to Vicksburg and took a position as Administrative Assistant for the 168th Engineer Group. In June of 1982 George retired after serving 38 years for his country. He loved his country and his flag, always letting you know the correct way to display and dispose of the flag properly.

He received the following honors and awards. The Army Commendation Medal, The Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Korean Service Medal, United National Service Medal, American Theater Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Parachutist Badge, Armed Forces Reserve Medal and Armed Forces Reserve Component Achievement Medal.

George was active in the affairs of his home town. Helping out before and after his retirement. He was very active in coaching and volunteering at YMCA in youth football. He helped coach at Porters Chapel basketball and Saint Al basketball. He and his wife were members of First Presbyterian Church and dearly loved serving his church and the Lord. He was an avid outdoors man and loved his bird dogs.

George was preceded in death by his parents, his oldest son George, Jr., his beloved grandson George Will Conway, a brother Albert D. Cronia and nephew Chip Cronia.

He is survived by his wife Lerlyne Cronia; sons James Michael Cronia and Steve Pierce (Debbie); daughters Kathy Cronia Conway (Eustace) and Cindy Cronia Ladd (Marty); grandchildren Cowan (Mary-Hendrix), Tace and Kiger Conway, Zack Fitzgerald, Jason Pierce and Emily Roberts (Ryan); great-grandchildren Cora and Preston Roberts, Jaylen, Carter, Cameron and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church, officiated by Rev. Tim Brown. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the hour of the service. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Gardens Cemetery.

The family would like to express their many, many thanks to his Guardian Angels Terri Harrison, Andrea Carson, Catina Saddler, Joyce Johnson, Frances Gregory, Tashiba Hatchett, Donna Hatchett Jones, Gladys Thomas, James Scott, Jerrad Gleese and the staff of Enhabit Hospice.

Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 1501 Cherry St., Vicksburg, MS 39180 and Jacobs Ladder, 267 YMCA Place, Vicksburg, MS 39183.