John N. Crombie

February 5, 1935 - March 25, 2026

Dr. John Crombie, a sometimes cantankerous, confrontational, and mostly humorous individual, had a good life driven by curiosity. He was the youngest son of an immigrant from Scotland, whose hard work in a Pennsylvania steel mill afforded both he and his older brother James greater opportunities. John was a planner who inherited the hard work ethic of his father. He performed well enough in his studies to continue on to dental school eventually becoming an endodontist. Expenses necessitated that he join the Army, which although he never really liked, paid his tuition and provided a comfortable living for the first half of his life with his wife Betsy, and their two daughters until he retired as a colonel after 21 years of service.

Entering private practice started another chapter of his life. His marriage ended and his children grew up. He moved to Lake Murray, became a zealous Gamecocks fan, an avid snow skier, ran in numerous 10Ks across the state, earned his pilot's license, and travelled around the US. He was busy (there was a motorcycle in there somewhere too). Then he met his wife Angelia and began the third chapter of his life.

They moved to N. Myrtle Beach and settled into a more relaxed atmosphere that lasted for another 26 years. Due to his declining health, Angelia was his caretaker for the last ten of those years, which allowed him to remain in the comfort of his own home until he died peacefully in his sleep at 91.

He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Angelia, his former wife, Betsy, his daughter Cheryl Beacham (Arnold) grandsons Tripp and William, daughter Barbara Skarbek, and grandsons Graham and Brooks, and granddaughter Lauren.

He was often humorous, sometimes mean, and oddly self-conscious. He was a beloved son, husband, father, and just a good human who will be greatly missed.

A few thoughts from his favorite poem:

"You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you perceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world." - Desiderata by Max Ehrmann