Dr. Neil Edward Crow Jr.

Dr. Neil Edward Crow, Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend known for his genuine, honest, and caring nature passed away on June 4, 2023, in the comfort of his home surrounded by his family. He touched countless lives through his medical expertise and valued friendships, leaving an indelible mark on the community and those who knew him.

Born on August 2, 1952, in Hope, AR, Neil, known to many as “Neil Ed”, grew up with an outgoing, adventurous, strong-willed spirit. Neil was an “open book” and was never shy in expressing his thoughts. He had a warm, magnetic personality that drew people from all walks of life to him. He cherished friends and was known for giving endearing nicknames to many. Neil had a remarkable ability to bring people together, creating lasting bonds that enriched the lives of all involved.

His passion for “solving puzzles” as he liked to say, led him to pursue his career in medicine. Neil grew up in Fort Smith, AR, graduating from Southside High School where he played football and was a member of Delta Sigma fraternity. He completed a degree in biology at Texas Christian University in 1974 where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity and ROTC. While awaiting acceptance to medical school, Neil was a professional fishing guide on lakes Greers Ferry, Bull Shoals, the White River, and Crooked Creek. Neil was accepted to the University of Arkansas School of Medicine in Little Rock. During medical school he met his future wife, Candace, while working together in the operating room at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Little Rock. Neil and Candy were married in 1978 and moved to Albuquerque, NM where he completed an internship and residency in diagnostic radiology at University of New Mexico Affiliated Hospitals and held a teaching appointment in General Radiology and Nuclear Medicine.

Following the birth of their son, Phillip, and the completion of his residency in 1982, the couple returned to Fort Smith. There, Neil embarked on an accomplished journey as a board-certified diagnostic radiologist with a special competence in nuclear medicine, joining his father Dr. Neil E. Crow, Sr. with Radiology Services, P.A., and Holt Krock Clinic. His hospital appointments included Sparks Regional Medical Center, where he served as Supervising Radiologist for Mammography, Summit Medical Center, and Sequoyah Memorial Hospital. Neil “retired” in 2008 though he continued to practice radiology on a part-time basis, dedicating his life to the noble pursuit of diagnosing and treating patients with utmost care and precision until 2017. His patients and friends sought his exceptional medical advice and trusted him as a source of support, guidance, and comfort during challenging times. With his keen eyes and astute diagnostic skills, he became renowned for his expertise in his field. Neil was a member of the Southern Radiological Society, American College of Radiology, and was continually selected by his peers as one of the best doctors in Arkansas. He had multiple papers published in scientific journals and earned the respect and admiration of colleagues and patients alike.

Above all else, Neil devoted himself wholeheartedly to his wife Candy of forty-five years with whom he shared a profound and beautiful bond. Together they created countless cherished memories, traveled the world, raised a family, endured, and overcame many challenges. Their love and commitment to each other is an inspiration and testament to the power of unwavering devotion and partnership.

Neil instilled in his offspring a strong work ethic, a deep appreciation for the joy of the outdoors and adventure, values of family and commitment, and a strong belief that class has nothing to do with wealth or societal status. He relished the opportunity to spend time with his family, including three grandchildren who referred to him adoringly as “Pom”, particularly when it involved time in the wilderness together. Neil imparted valuable and memorable life lessons by teaching his children how to hunt, fish, shoot, train dogs, navigate woods, streams, muddy roads, and ski on water, snow, and even boat paddles. He taught them the joy of swimming holes, rope swings, and sandbar beach parties. He imparted a powerful love in them for good music, horse racing, reading, learning, travel, and great food. Most importantly, he showed them how to treat people.

Neil found immense joy spending time in the outdoors, whether it was hunting ducks in flooded timber, fishing his favorite rivers and lakes, jumping quail behind dogs on western ranches, fighting marlins on the ocean, shooting dove at local farms, in Mexico, or Argentina, or hunting whitetail deer in delta hardwoods and Ozark foothills. Neil was a world class sportsman and marksman. In high school, he politely declined an invitation to join the U.S. Olympics trap and skeet shooting teams. As an active member of Pajara and Old Fort Gun clubs he enjoyed shooting competitively and for pleasure between hunting seasons. Neil was a second-generation member of the “Snakeroot Society”, an organization he enjoyed and that his father helped create, which centered around camaraderie and fishing. Believing strongly in conservation and preservation of hunting and fishing, he supported numerous organizations dedicated to this purpose including Ducks Unlimited, Arkansas Game and Fish, and The National Wildlife Federation. His love for the wilderness was infectious and he delighted in the opportunity to share his knowledge with younger contemporaries, his children, their friends, and many others.

Most Sunday mornings Neil was more likely to be found in the woods or on the water than in a pew, though Neil displayed an unwavering commitment to his faith and his community and found great purpose in being a pillar of his lifelong church, First Presbyterian of Fort Smith, supporting its initiatives, serving as an elder, and aiding in the growth of its congregation. His generosity and selflessness extended beyond the walls of the church, as he always sought to help those around him in times of need and support.

Neil will be fondly remembered as a loving and adoring spouse, incredible father, and a treasured friend. His unwavering devotion to his loved ones, coupled with his unique zest for life, created lasting memories filled with laughter, joy, and adventure. He leaves behind a legacy of love, camaraderie, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to caring for others.

In honor of Neil, a memorial service will be held on June 12, 10:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Fort Smith, AR. Friends, family, and colleagues are invited to join in celebrating the life of this extraordinary man. Though our hearts ache with loss, we find peace in the knowledge that his memory will live on in this world through the lives he touched and that we will ultimately be reunited together with him. May his devotion to family and friendship, love for the outdoors, and his unwavering resiliency in the face of adversity continue to guide and inspire us all who were fortunate enough to have known him.

Neil is survived by his loving wife Candy, son Phillip (Sarah) of Fort Worth TX and daughter Leah Rolston (William) of Little Rock, AR and three grandchildren Caroline, Tad, and Landry. Also survived by a Sister Kathy Miller (Mike) of Fort Smith, an uncle, Dr. Martin Crow (Jane) of Kansas City, MO, Aunt Nancy Balsam of Little Rock, Cousin Becky Clem (Keith) of Fort Worth, TX, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Neil E. and Mary K. Crow, of Fort Smith.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Fort Smith or the American Brain Tumor Association.

Rest in peace, dear Neil. You will be dearly missed and forever cherished. Your spirit will forever thrive in the beauty and wonder of nature and the hearts of those who love you. Thank you for showing us that the “Secret of Life” is enjoying the passage of time.

Services are entrusted to Edwards Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be sent to: www.edwardsfuneralhome.com