Ronald Lee Crumley

Ronald Lee Crumley, age 79, passed away on August 14, 2025, in Dallas, Texas. He was born on April 22, 1946, in Birmingham, Alabama to Miley Crumley and Marjorie Allen. Ron was raised in Detroit, Michigan and Birmingham, Alabama. He graduated from Ramsey High School in Birmingham.

He married Judith Schiele in 1967, and they had two children, Michelle and Amanda. He was married to Frances Griffin from 2013 until her passing in 2019. Ron was a lifelong pilot, who started taking flying lessons after his parents refused to buy him a motorcycle on his 16th birthday.

He preferred to be in an airplane more than just about anywhere. Ron owned a successful agricultural flying service for many years in England, Arkansas. He was also a private pilot, and a Captain certified to fly everything from Cessnas, to Leer Jets, 737s, and - much to his family's chagrin - glider planes. Captain Crumley probably spent more time in the air than on the ground. Some would say you say you'd much rather be in an airplane with him than in a car...

When not airborne, Ron enjoyed earthbound activities like golfing, boating and fishing, amateur HAM radio, and again much to his family's chagrin, riding his Harley Davidson. He also enjoyed playing with his Shih Tzu, Angel. But even on the ground, Ron's head was always in the sky, spending countless hours in flight simulators and on his home flight simulator.

Ron was also a longtime usher at Our Lady of the Lake - a role he cherished and a community he loved. Not satisfied in retirement, Ron taught countless students to fly at the Mesquite Flying School - one of his proudest achievements. And always a protector at heart, Ron served as a security officer at Pioneering Technology and Arts Academy in Fate, Texas, where he was beloved by students, administrators, and teachers alike.

Ron's friends and family will always remember his quick wit, practical jokes, and his passion for continued learning throughout his life. He is survived by his daughters Michelle King of England, Arkansas and Amanda Crumley of Clarksdale, Mississippi; son-in-law Billy King; granddaughter, Hannah King; and great grandson Riley King of England, Arkansas.