William Jeffrey Crain

William Jeffrey Crain passed away August 29, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born on February 27, 1950, to the union of Lloyd and Betty Crain in Birmingham, Alabama. Jeff completed formal education at UMS Wright in Mobile, AL in 1968, an Associate’s degree in Fire Science from Jefferson State College in Birmingham, AL in 1993, and an Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from UAB in Birmingham, AL in 2000. Susan Ward was united in holy matrimony with Jeff on November 1, 1988 in Birmingham, AL.

He rose to the rank of Captain while working for the Birmingham Fire Department from 1971-1991. He became a certified fire investigator and began work as a private fire investigator from 1991-2001. He was the founder and president of Crain & Associates, Inc. where he performed, and was a mentor and industry leader in, technical investigations from 2001. He was a board member of the Alabama Association of Arson Investigators (AAAI) since 2001, multiple times serving as president.

In his leisure time he enjoyed watching his grandchildren’s sporting events, fishing with his grandchildren, woodworking, and helping anyone with anything they ever needed. He was preceded in death by his father Lloyd Crain, and his mother Betty J. Crain Brown.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Susan Crain, daughter Dawn Lamar (Clay), son Scott Crain (Jennifer), stepson Andrew Brower (Jana), brother George Crain (Michelle), half-sister Katie Zimmerman (Mike), nephew Chesley Crain (Lauren), seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at Southern Heritage Funeral Home at 475 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham, AL 35124 on Thursday September 4, 2025, from 10-11 AM. There will be a private graveside burial at Elmwood. In lieu of flowers or memorial contributions please donate to the American Cancer Society.