Robert Dwight Crum

CRUM, Robert Dwight, 81, born on June 27, 1933, passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2015 at home surrounded by his family. He is predeceased by his parents, Maurice Gordon “Pete” Crum and Helen Elizabeth (Moore) Crum. Loving family who survive are wife of 61 years, Sandra Louise (Gentry) Crum (married November 15, 1953); two sisters: Mary Jo Campbell, Lynda Maureen Crum; daughters: Mary Elizabeth “Beth” Crum Cary, Robin Maurese Crum Kapur (Rajiv Kapur); son, Robert Dwight Crum II (Xiao Chun Ye “Spring” Crum); six grandchildren: Anita Christine Kapur, Anjali Elizabeth Kapur, Samantha Maureen Cary, Hunter William Cary, Michael Li Crum, Daniel Howard Crum; two nieces; two nephews; and many great nieces and nephews.

Born and raised in Plant City, Florida, Bob graduated from Plant City High School in 1951. He attended the University of Florida from 1951 to 1952 and became a lifelong “Gator”. He served in the United States Army for two years from 1953 to 1955, stationed in Korea; then the US Army Reserves until 1961. Bob worked for his father and uncles on their cattle ranch and also worked for the railroad. He graduated from Tampa Technical Institute and became employed by the Federal Aviation Administration as an Electronics Computer Technician. He moved to New Orleans in 1960 for his first position with the FAA, was transferred to Houston Air Traffic Control in 1965 when the New Orleans center closed, and then to Miami to return to his Florida roots. He retired in 1996 after 37 years with the FAA.

In 1996, he and Sandy moved to Apopka, FL to help take care of their newborn twin granddaughters as well as to be closer to Plant City to help his sisters take care of their mother. He also enjoyed attending the monthly Plant City High School class lunch gatherings and seeing all of his friends. Bob was a member of Sanlando United Methodist Church in Longwood, FL. He loved to hunt, fish and waterski. He was a patient waterski instructor on Lake Louisa where his parents had a home. He also enjoyed snow skiing with his two sisters. Bob loved all sports, especially football. He attended the Miami Dolphins football games as a diehard fan for many years and then the UF Gator football games since his retirement. He was a GATOR all the way! Most of all, he loved his grandchildren, known fondly to them as “Papa”. Other identities included Uncle Bobby, Gator Bob, Papa Bob, and most recently “Gator Papa”, after Anita and Anjali became Florida Gators. He will be greatly missed to all who knew him.

A visitation will be on Saturday, June 20, 2015, 10-11am at Wells Memorial Funeral Home in Plant City, FL. A funeral service will begin at 11am and burial with military honors will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Plant City, FL.