Thomas Franklin Crowder

He is survived by his wife, Gwen Crowder of Cary, daughter, Tammy Crowder of Cary and son, Tommy Crowder (Christy) of Raleigh, three grandchildren, Abby Crowder, Britton Cleveland and Chase Cleveland; brother, Larry Crowder (Pat) of Raleigh along with sister-in-law, Carolyn Beck of Garner and many nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to those direct family members, Tommy leaves behind many special friends who he held dear, as well as the many players and employees he influenced over the years while coaching and leading that he held close to his heart and considered family.

Born in Raleigh, NC on May 11, 1935 to W. G. and Lula (Whitfield) Crowder, he was the sixth of seven children. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and three brothers.

In high school, Tommy exceeded in sports, particularly football, basketball in baseball. He was the first player from Cary to go to the East-West All-Star Basketball game in 1953; however, he was recruited by Wake Forest College (now Wake Forest University) to play football. His desire to defend our country led him to volunteer his junior year for the Army ending his collegiate football opportunity.

After returning from Korea, Tommy began a career in sales. Starting at Sanders Motor Ford in Raleigh, NC (where he met his wife Gwen (Beck) Crowder) he then worked for Ready Mixed Concrete before jumping into a partnership that led him into the semi-trailer industry and C.R.T.S., Inc. For fifty plus years, his career led him to many accomplishments, joy and very dear friendships that he held close to the end. There wasn’t a lead he didn’t turn over or a stranger he didn’t want to meet.

Unforgettable as a husband, parent, uncle, friend, boss or coach, Tommy attempted to excel in every way. After fifty years in the transportation industry with C.R.T.S., Inc. he managed to build a legacy by empowering others to be inspired through their achievements and skills built within an opportunity he saw within them. Within the community, whether as a charter member of the Cary High School Sports Hall of Fame, an active member of the NC State Wolfpack Club, a former member of the Imp Club or the Cary Fireman’s Board he tried to honor those and ensure that they knew how much they were appreciated.

Tommy left his heart in the community as he coached little league football, basketball and baseball for many years, even taking the Cary Bills in 1983 to the first ever Pop Warner Super Bowl (sponsored by Russell Athletics) in Alexander City, AL. Facing a team from Merrimack, NH the Cary Bills walked away with a win, securing a 26-8 victory in front of the nation. Each member of the teams he led were challenged daily, led respectfully and valued within the position / role he gave them; hopefully adding to their character as the men / women they grew up to become.

He will forever be cherished.

The family would like to express appreciation to Searstone where Tommy and Gwen enjoyed independent living. He loved to say hello to those he passed, watch the planes fly over on their balcony and walk around the lake. Transitions Palliative & Hospice Care were very helpful in the last week of his life. A special thank you to Dr. Joshua Dowd and Nurse Tanya for their loving care.

A Celebration of Life will be held on December 27, 2025 at White Plains United Methodist Church in Cary, NC at 11:00 am. The family will then receive friends at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home in Cary, NC at 12:30 pm. A private burial will follow on Monday, December 29, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution (in memory of Thomas F. Crowder) to: White Plains United Methodist Church, 313 SE Maynard Road, Cary, NC 27511; Transitions LifeCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607, https://www.transitionslifecare.org/donate/; the ALS United North Carolina, 4 N Blount Street #200, Raleigh, NC 27601, https://alsnc.org/; Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, https://www.gifts.duke.edu/dci?technique_code=CCCWBDNN.

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