Ned Crews

Ned Crews was a gift given to the world and entrusted to parents who had waited ten years to have a child. He arrived early on October 10, 1946 as a miracle "preemie" weighing only three pounds and survived without the advantages of a neonatal intensive care unit. Henry Edward (Ned) Crews III departed his Pineville life on a morning journey to his heavenly home Wednesday, May 21, 2014.

Ned was preceded in death by his parents, H.E. (Eddie) and Ann Shipman Crews; his paternal grandparents H.E and Zella Lilly Crews; his maternal grandparents Clyde and Mae Kline (Mam) Shipman. Ned was a lifelong resident of Pineville, a town which he dearly loved. He attended Pineville High School graduating in 1964. Receiving a full scholarship, he then went on to study journalism and English earning a B.A. Degree from West Virginia University. While studying at the University, he received the prestigious "Young Journalist of the Year" award.

Ned had many loves. Most important to him were the love of his family, the love of his church, the love of the work that he did, the love of the community in which he lived, and the love he felt in serving others. Each of these loves were manifested in differing ways. Pineville provided the perfect canvas on which Ned magically brought each of these loves to life with a creative vision and touch of his hand.

Ned's creative talents emerged at an early age. Ned had an appreciation of the performing arts, the visual arts, and anything in between. One of his first forays into the creative arts occurred when he painted what some in the family termed a "Picasso influenced work of art" depicting Granny Crews and Aunt Catherine whimsically discussing the people of Pineville. Ned's creative side was also influenced by the music he loved as it joyfully rang out from the church next door.

His early experiences with Boy Scouts and church camps led Ned to discover the beauty of the Earth. Ned's career as a florist began at age 16. He learned the trade locally and then furthered that love by attending the Cleveland School of Art and Design earning a certification in floral design. Throughout his life he worked in local flower shops and eventually created a "Teddy Bear Logo" to open his own, Ned Crews, Florist. His shop was operated more as a labor of love than a business. His customers meant more to him than simply taking and filling an order. He treated each as if they were an extension of his own family. This endeavor allowed Ned to provide the first job for many of Wyoming County's youth.

Ned Crews was busy early in his life serving others. At age eleven, he was the nation's youngest Easter Seal Chairman. Ned served his school as President of the Pineville High School Student Council and Honor Society. Ned's love of journalism led him to share his gifts as the editor of school newspaper The Pinevillian. This spirit of giving followed Ned for his entire life. Ned always gave the gift of time. Walking a customer to the car, writing individual messages in notes,and listening with interest to respond with thoughtful gestures was his way of making everyone feel singularly important. He taught at Pineville High School, Road Branch Elementary, and Wyoming East High School. He loved teaching Shakespeare, and was known for his "unique methods " of instilling life lessons through literature. He challenged each individual to take the road less traveled and to make a contribution to the world.

Ned also served his community. Using his journalistic skill, he went to work for the Welch Daily News. He often wrote about community issues and took on tough subjects. Later on, he published his own paper in Summersville, The Weekender. He believed that a journalist's job was to be a voice of the people.

Ned's love of his church was instilled at an early age. Sunday school classes, Vacation Bible schools and involvement in MYF youth programs built a strong foundation for his faith. He was a lifelong member and "keeper of the key" of the Pineville United Methodist Church family and often helped with the transition of new ministers.

Ned was the heart of his own family. His home became the gallery of memories as he strived to keep the family connected to him and each other. His door was always open for a return to Pineville. A vacation for him was a visit or meal with family. As the historian and official story teller, he reminisced in detail to preserve the heritage. All family pets were included in his love. By the end of a "Ned Crews Visit," new memories were always created.

Ned is survived by his sisters Barbara "Bobbi" Crews of Weston, Fl;Mary Ann Thompson and her husband Bob of Lake Havasu City, AZ; his nephews William Ted "Tad" Smith and wife Caroline of Charleston, SC; Karl Thompson, and wife Kari with their "Team Thompson": Taylor, Tyler, and Trevor of Lake Havasu City, AZ; his Aunt Ann Hatcher from Logan, WV and a host of cousins.

Arrangements under the direction of Calfee Funeral Service, Pineville, WV.