Harold Edward McCrimmon

Harold Edward McCrimmon Sr., age 93 years old, a recent resident of Bellflower, California, but a long time resident of Carson, California, entered eternal life on Thursday, August 28, 2014. Peacefully and surrounded by loved ones, the Lord called Harold home to his Heavenly Mansion. Harold was born on January 3, 1921, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to the late John and Lena McCrimmon. He grew up with 4 sisters and 3 brothers.

Harold was educated in the Indianapolis public school system where he received his high school diploma and later attended the University of Wisconsin majoring in Business Administration.

Born to the union of Harold and his first wife Katie (Deal) McCrimmon was one son, Harold Edward McCrimmon Jr., and one daughter, Joan Leslie McCrimmon. Harold loved his children dearly and always spoke highly of them both.

While his children were still very young, Harold met and married Ruby (Morrow) McCrimmon, his wife of 37 years who preceded him in death.

Later Harold met and married Shirley (Mann) McCrimmon and they were married for 10 years until 2004.

Harold's Working Career~

Looking back to 1966, Harold was working at Bunker Hill Air Force Base (BHAFB) as a computer technician, when he was transferred from his job in Peru, Indiana to Los Angeles, California. Not long after he moved to California, he was recommended and hired to work for the United States Department of Agriculture. Harold enjoyed his job there and was soon promoted to becoming a Food Program Specialist in 1968 and served as a government inspector of grocery stores in Southern California for 30 years. After retiring from this position in February 1977, Harold decided he was not quite ready to stay home, so he continued to work. He got a job with the Los Angeles Unified School District as a custodial engineer.He later retired from this job and decided that he was still not quite ready to stay at home and began working another job at Volunteers of America in Long Beach, California ~ Here he worked as the transportation coordinator for the senior nutrition department. He was heavily involved with the "meals on wheels" program for the senior citizens within the city. After completing this assignment, he found that he was still eager to do something other than sit around the house so Harold got another job at Torrance Memorial Hospital as a mail carrier, and lastly at Home Depot as the door greeter. He achieved his ultimate goal to stay busy doing something at all times.

Harold's Army Career~

Harold was first inducted into the United States Army on August 29, 1942, at 21 years of age. He served as an active duty officer and later joined the US Army Reserves. He worked hard as an enlisted soldier and soon earned his way to becoming a Master Sergeant (MSG) senior noncommissioned officer (NCO) in charge of his brigade, which is a high ranking army officer position. He was extremely proud of this accomplishment. He was also considered a subject matter expert assigned to administrative and supervisory positions as well as other various special assignments within his unit because of his strong leadership skills. Harold was in charge of training, teaching and managing a large number of troops. He was a highly respected individual and influential to many. He devoted a total number of 29 years with the United States Army to serve his country and received outstanding awards with an honorable discharge.

Harold's walk with Christ~

Harold accepted Christ after visiting and joining Central Baptist Church in Carson, California. He was a devoted longtime member there under the pasturage of Reverend David Buggs for twenty one years.

Harold enjoyed working for Christ and serving the Lord. A short list of the positions he held while he was at Central Baptist Church included Church Training Director, Ordained Deacon, Adult Sunday School Teacher and Director of Evangelism.

Harold loved the Lord and was God fearing. He spent a lot of time reading and studying his Bible. He made sure that Bible studies were an important part of growing up in his household and also took great pride in his studies and with preparing his lesson plans for Bible study classes.

After moving to Long Beach, California, he joined Antioch Missionary Baptist Church under Pastor Wayne Chaney, and later Pastor Wayne Chaney Jr. where he thoroughly enjoyed the sermons and services and attended church faithfully until he was no longer physically able to.

He will be forever missed.~

Those left to cherish his precious memories are his son, Harold McCrimmon Jr. and wife Tonyia McCrimmon, four grandchildren; Shanise McCrimmon-Hamilton, LaQeshaw Thompson and husband Mark Thompson, LaShanda Penn-Berkeley and husband Charles Berkeley, Harold McCrimmon III; eight great grandchildren; Gregory Smith, Ayriel Gardley, Bryen Irving, Mychel Irving, Loreal Thompson, Elle McCrimmon, Aaliyah Thompson and Nyla Thompson. His youngest sister Mary Watkins, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Columbus and Madison, four sisters, Susan (Maebelle), Irene, Lorene, Aileen, and his only beloved daughter Joan Leslie McCrimmon.

The family of Harold E. McCrimmon Sr., wishes to express our sincere appreciation for all the comforting words, prayers, cards, floral tributes and all other expressions of kindness and concern shown during our hours of sorrow. Thank you and may God continue to bless all of you.

Arrangements under the direction of Whites Funeral Home, Bellflower, CA.