Walter Crum Jr.

Walt was born November 24, 1937 in Greenville, Alabama to the late Walter Crum Sr. and Emma Mae Young Crum. They moved to Michigan, September 1944 from Mobile, Alabama. Walt attended West Ward & Washington Gardner High School. He graduated in 1956. Walt was a great athlete. He played football, basketball and also ran track. He was the first black athlete to earn All-American honors in 1956. He received a football scholarship from Lincoln University in Missouri. After returning home he began working at the Albion Malleable Iron Company, later known as Hayes-Albion, in the finishing department.

August 29, 1959 he married Ruby Wimberly and to this union 6 children were born. Walt grew up attending Lewis Chapel AME Church and later in 1995, on Father's Day, he moved his membership to Grace Temple Church of God In Christ. He began working with the Grace Temple Christian School as the Coach of the Basketball & Track teams. Walt faithfully attended Worship Services, Sunday School, and Bible Study. Later he was installed as a Deacon.

Walt enjoyed bowling, golfing, and playing basketball with the old-timers basketball teams.

He leaves to cherish his memories: wife Ruby of 57 years; his sister Emma Howard of Albion, MI; (5) sons: Durant (Karen) of Albion, MI; Jerome (Lexava) of Lansing, MI; Derrick (Kelly) of Jackson, MI; Bruce (Karen) of San Antonio, TX; Todd of Albion, MI; (10) grandchildren: Kyra (Marcus), Kristen, Durant II, Darius, Jenelle, Alexis M., Katiya, Bruce Jr., Keana, Alexis L., and a host of relatives.

Walt was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Sr. and Emma; son Gregory; daughter LeAnn; brothers Robert, Willie, Tom, Eric; and grandson Montel.

Visitation for family and friends will be held Thursday, March 9, 2017 from 5:00 – 8:00PM at J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finely Drive, Albion, Michigan 49224. Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, March 11th at Grace Temple Church of God in Christ, 711 Grace Street, Albion beginning with family hour at 11:00AM followed by a Service at 12 NOON with Pastor Steve Williams officiating. Interment will follow at Albion Memory Gardens, Albion.

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