Celebrating the life of
W.A. "Pops" Crumpton
December 13, 1924 - March 27, 2011
W.A. "Pops" Crumpton died on March 27, 2011 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Savannah. He was born in Columbiana, Alabama and lived in Savannah since 1941. He was the son of the late Elder Alva Riska Crumpton and Alma Mooney Crumpton. Pops attended Claxton High School and the University of Georgia.
A veteran of World War II, he was awarded the Silver Star for his efforts in five battles and campaigns: Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, the Rhineland and Central Europe. He also received the European Service Medal as well as a Meritorious Unit Award. Pops served as a B-17 Tailgunner, completing 17 missions over enemy lines. He was officially credited with shooting down five German Luftwaffe fighter planes, and shot down eight more unofficially.
In the civilian sector, Pops was retired from a position as public relations official with a cigarette and cigar company. He was a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He received numerous accolades and superlatives for his humanitarian work, including his association with "The Mission on the Move" charitable organization.
Pops was a charter member of the Black Creek Senior Golf Club. His accomplishments on the course included shooting a hole in one, shooting his age 74 a number of times, and scoring better than his age with a 73, 71, 70 and 69. He was honored by the club ownership with a marble plaque in appreciation for making Black Creek Golf Club a success, and honored by his peers by having each senior blitz named "Pops Blitz" after him.
Mr. Crumpton was preceded in death by his wife, Gladys Vickery Crumpton. He is survived by his son, Ray Crumpton, Sr. and wife Nancy of Savannah; daughter, Sharon Ann Crumpton of Savannah; grandchildren, Ray Crumpton, Jr. and Jennifer Quackenbush; sisters, Doris Smith and Majo Hodges, both of Savannah; brothers, Dan Crumpton of Warrenton, GA and Pruitt Crumpton of Alabama.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, March 29, 2011 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.
The graveside funeral, with military honors, will take place at Hillcrest Abbey Memorial Park on Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. conducted by Rev. Steve Corley and assisted by Pops' brother, Dan Crumpton.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association.
Doris-we think of you often-sure would like to see all you kin folks from Savannah. We are so sorry for the loss of your brother. Ellis and Sue Smith
- ellis smith, macon, GA
Dear Crumpton Family, When we first moved to Claxton in 1970, Rev. Alva & Mrs. Crumpton were our neighbors and oh, how we enjoyed their knowledge and wisdom. We were so young. Most of you don't know us but maybe Charlene and Dan may. I Ann worked with Edith for a short time at the doctor's office. Eston was the local hospital administrator for 33 yrs. We just want to say that we honor Mr. Crumpton for his great service to our country. He truly was a great hero and we thank him. God bless you as you grieve his passing.
- Eston & Ann Price, Claxton, GA
Doris-we think of you often-sure would like to see all you kin folks from Savannah. We are so sorry for the loss of your brother. Ellis and Sue Smith
- ellis smith, macon, GA
Dear Crumpton Family, When we first moved to Claxton in 1970, Rev. Alva & Mrs. Crumpton were our neighbors and oh, how we enjoyed their knowledge and wisdom. We were so young. Most of you don't know us but maybe Charlene and Dan may. I Ann worked with Edith for a short time at the doctor's office. Eston was the local hospital administrator for 33 yrs. We just want to say that we honor Mr. Crumpton for his great service to our country. He truly was a great hero and we thank him. God bless you as you grieve his passing.
- Eston & Ann Price, Claxton, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
