Percy Crew

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Mr. Percy Lamar Crew, son of Dewey Crew and Mattie Robinson of Chilton County, was born on Jan. 5, 1923, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2009 to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is lovingly survived by his wife of 63 years, Mae Willie Crew; daughter, Cheryl Broome; son, the Rev. Roger Crew and daughter-in-law, Sherry Crew; grandchildren include the Rev. Alan Broome, Richie Crew, Nathan Crew and Heather Lett as well as six great-grandchildren who loved their “papa” greatly.
Percy was known throughout Clanton and Chilton County for his steadfast love for the Lord, his family, singing in the church choir at West End Baptist Church and coaching so many little league baseball teams. Anything he “touched” including the lives of others and especially fruits, vegetables, and his beloved roses… seemed to grow.
As a produce man occupationally, his family remembers the “Fruit of God’s Spirit” that resided daily and was evident to all in “papa”….His love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and self control. “Galatians”
A WWII decorated veteran with courage and strength, Percy was part of what has been affectionately called the “Greatest Generation.” Landing on the beaches of Normandy during the invasion, this purple heart recipient served his country well and always spoke modestly and humbly about how God protected him in battle. He said many times, “It was only the grace of God that bought me home to America’s shores again.”
Faithful…. He was faithful to serve his country. Faithful to his Lord, being baptized in 1952 as an early founding member at West End Baptist Church and walking with God these past 57 years.
He was faithful to his wife of 63 years and they shared a long life of blessings together including leaving a legacy of a family of Faith with four ministers whose families serve the Lord.
Percy’s last few days were spent loving his family over the holidays and even giving his last gift to his church to support the overseas mission of the “Lottie Moon Christmas Offering” at West End Baptist Church. Truly he practiced what he preached and we, his family and church, are blessed to have been in his life.
Services will be held Tuesday, Jan. 6, at 1 p.m. at West End Baptist Church with the Rev. Tony Smitherman officiating. Interment will follow in Chilton Memorial Cemetery, Clanton.
Martin Funeral Home directing.