Anna Newhoff
NCR Reporter
Charles “David” Crosby was a staple in the West Nassau High School softball program. As a longtime coach and caretaker of the softball and football fields, Crosby left his mark on the community. He passed away peacefully at his home Nov. 4, surrounded by loved ones. He was 78.
Crosby was devoted to the WNHS softball team, making an impact on coaches and student-athletes.
“My best memories with him are centered around the years of softball. He loved the sport, he loved his girls, and he sure loved his field. The last 25 years have been fun. Sure going to miss ya, Ole Dave! Love you so much,” WNHS softball alumnae Katie (Kelly) Anderson shared on Facebook.
Harold Jones also shared sentiments. “As far back as I can remember, David put a tremendous effort into our community and its youth. He mentored a vast majority of our youth, dating back to the late 60s and early 70s, until recent years. His impact on my generation and the next couple of generations has and will impact who Callahan is as a community for years to come.”
Crosby had a genuine compassion for kids with special needs. Staten Dempsey was one of the many who held a special place in his heart.
“Words will never be able to justly express how thankful we are that our paths crossed and for the time and energy David put into Staten. He became part of their family and to this day still talks about each of them, naming them by the nicknames he gave them,” Staten’s mother, Dana Dempsey, shared on Facebook in September after Crosby was inducted into the WNHS Hall of Fame.
The WNHS softball field was named in Crosby’s honor in 2017 for his years of dedication to the team. WNHS softball coach Randalyn Bryant has deeply cherished Crosby’s commitment over her last 16 years at WNHS.
“I was 24 when I took this job,” Bryant said. “The last thing I wanted to do as a young coach was mess that up. I was thankful for his guidance in carrying on the traditions they had in place and starting new ones.”
Crosby guided everyone within the WNHS softball community.
“Outside of the field work, he was a fatherly figure and mentor to all the girls that came through the program,” Bryant said. “He built a rapport with all of them and always checked on them. He always told them he loved them.”
Crosby’s humor was as memorable as his mentorship.
“David was a comedian. He had the best sense of humor and delivered the perfect lines. He was so much fun to be around because you never knew what he was going to say,” Bryant said.
His knowledge of the school extended well beyond the diamond.
“David also knew more than anybody about the grounds of West Nassau High School. Maintenance would call David with questions about where certain cut-offs were or things were stored,” Bryant said. “David was well-versed in the history of the school, too. He could tell you the players, the coaches, the teachers, who was who. Mr. David was absolutely Mr. West Nassau.”
Crosby stopped coaching at WNHS in 2021, after decades of service to the community. His legacy will always be remembered in the Callahan community. Once a Warrior, always a Warrior.
A celebration of life was held Friday at 11 a.m. at Buford Grove Baptist Church, with Pastor Jason Johns and Pastor Jeff Carter officiating. Donations may be made to WNHS softball in memory of Crosby.