Carl Crooks
Carl Crooks of Cortez died Sept. 16.
He was born Jan. 26, 1945, in Columbus, Ohio, to the late Raymond and Martha Crooks.
He graduated from Whetstone High School and Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio.
He was loved by many who will miss his presence in their lives.
The service was private. Memorial donations may be made to oceanconservancy.org.
Mr. Crooks is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara; nieces Lisa M., Justi and Cathy Nordyke; brother-in-law Mike Cornelius; sisters-in-law Nancy and husband Ron Davis, Marsha and Monika Nolte; the family dogs; and numerous cousins.
Eric V. Davison
Eric V. Davison of Sarasota, formerly of Anna Maria and Longboat Key, died Aug. 25.
He was born Nov. 5, 1934, in Detroit.
He was a devoted husband and loving father who lived an amazing and full life.
He was a lifelong automotive advertising executive who had many accomplishments to his credit. Early in his career, he helped create the concept of the Oldsmobile 442 luxury sports car and later he was a key driver in the launch of the Oldsmobile Toronado.
He took on international assignments that took him and the family to Mexico City and Paris. He then formed his own firm with longtime associate Vic Oleson in Los Angeles. The firm, Vic Olsen and Partners, captured large clients, most notably Chevrolet in the California market. Toward the end of his career, he became the VP of sales and marketing for Carroll Shelby’s Series 1.
He later wrote a book about the adventure titled “Snakebit,” which chronicled the extreme difficulty in trying to launch a small batch sports car. The book is highly regarded in automotive circles. In the process of working at Shelby, he became great friends with Shelby to the day that he passed.
When Mr. Davison retired, he and wife Mary moved to Anna Maria Island, where they found peace and tranquility.
He was involved with the Simeone Car Museum in Philadelphia, where memorial donations can be made “In memory of Eric and Mary Davison” at simeonemuseum.org.
Mr. Davison is survived by sons Bruce and Jim, grandchildren Brock and Olivia, sister Lynne and brother Mark.