John Richard Crowder

A celebration service of his life will be held Friday, November 6 at 11:00 am at Asbury United Methodist Church, 1780 Asbury Road, Cove City, NC. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

John was born on June 8, 1927, to his late parents Charles and Essie Crowder of Cherryville, NC.

On June 13, 1945, John joined the Navy and proudly served his country during WWII. He was a lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 2771, in Kinston, NC.

John married Shirley Mae Tolley on March 11, 1950. The couple made their home in Cove City in 1952. Shirley preceded him in death. John was a self-employed brick mason for over 50 years, an active member of Asbury United Methodist Church, and a Chartered Member of the Cove City Volunteer Fire Department. John will be remembered for his love of fishing, his fantastic fish stews and his famous barbeque sauce that made his grilled chicken sell out every year at the Cove City Fireman’s Day.

He is survived by his daughters: Joanne Bishop of Cove City, NC and Celina Crowder of Coats, NC.

He was blessed with three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren: Bryant Turnage of Washington, DC; Dana Turnage Chong of Washington, DC (husband Wayne and children Emerson and Marisa); and John Derrick Turnage of Coats, ND (wife Danielle and daughter Kinley Mae). Extended family includes: Alice Warmack of GA and Robert Warmack of Cove City along with many nieces and nephews.

Immediately following the burial, the family invites those attending to join them in the fellowship hall of the church for a celebratory lunch.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to Asbury United Methodist Church or to the family at 151 Koonce Town Road, Cove City, NC 28523.

The family would like to thank the staff of 3HC for the dedicated care they provided.