Archie was an exemplary representative of the Scout Law, which includes "A Scout is Clean" (in word, thought, and action. ) 

One time he almost broke that part of the Law.  Archie, five or six of his colleagues, and I were on an elevator, and Archie started to relate a slightly off-color joke.  

This surprised me because I had never heard him do anything like that before between 1972 and 1996.

All of a sudden, the elevator stopped.  The door opened, and a women entered.

Faster than a mousetrap snaps, Archie stopped the story in mid-sentence.

Years and years went by.  My Professional Scouter colleagues and I never got to hear from him how the joke ended.

Once again and as always, he "kept his cool.'

A young man and a young woman attended Philmont Scout Reservation with the Atlanta Area Council contingent last summer.  From pictures and notes, they had as wonderful a time as I twice had "out in God's Country."  I had asked the Council to select one youth member who exemplified the Spirit of Scouting but in all likelihood would never be able to afford to visit those "Aspen covered hills with eagles soaring high."  

The Council was smarter.  It took my Memorial Tribute to Archie and "stretched it" to be able to send two youth members, whose notes and pictures are on our refrigerator.  

Thank you, Archie, for many wonderful experiences you caused for my family and for me.  My attempt to say "Thank you" with the gift of Philmont is our Scout Salute to you for which my wife Roberta and I are most proud.

Best boss i ever had.  Loved both he and Cynthia.  Quite often I have a question and thnk "I'll call Archie, he'll know."

Of all the bosses I ever worked for, Archie was my favorite.  He was kind and thoughtful of everyone.  But more than anything, he and Cynthia were my friends.  Though we were many miles apart, our friendship continued through the years and I am saddened that he is no longer among us.  The good memories of our social times together will remain in my heart and my prayers are for God's comfort for Cynthia, Michael, Sue and their families.

Archie was a successful man in all areas of his life. He left a trail of friendships from Stewart County TN to Atlanta GA. A man of faith who always had a positive attitude and an uplifting spirit. 
One of the Boy Scouts of America’s greatest leaders. Archie’s leadership qualities were first known in the Middle Tennessee Council where he had lifelong friendships. 
Archie was very good at golf and a joy to play with. 
When I came to Atlanta in 1997, Archie and Cynthia welcomed us with open arms both personally and professionally. You are treasured and will be missed. 
Love, David and Cherry Larkin 

There are scores of memories.  They range from the times that I let him down and would erase if I could to many most very joyful moments that, as long as I shall think, I shall hold dear.  In Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, Polonius advises his son, Laertes, "and these few precepts in thy memory see thou character."  It took me decades to realize that "see thou character" means "see this in writing (characters) and write it in your mind."  When I review the years under Archie's leadership, one of his precepts is placed in my mind as steadily as Polaris is placed in the heavens.  It is that under all and during any circumstances, "Keep Your Cool."  Truth be told, I sometimes failed to follow his advice.  However, many times I did.  When they came to pass and to this day when they still come to pass, his adage rings in my innermost mind and helps to bring my family, friends, and me through fire, wind, or water.  It can even simply help us more thoroughly enjoy a bright sun-shiny day.  Another encouragement Archie adopted from Council President Ed Lord.  Most all of us know it:  "Keep on keepin' on."  I pray that you do.

OBITUARY

Archie Ray Crain

19 October, 1932 – 14 September, 2019

H.M. Patterson & Son-Canton Hill Chapel

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