Mr. William (Bill) Howard Crump, of Connelly Springs, passed away Wednesday, May 8, 2024, following a brief period of declining health. He was 90 years young and led a remarkable life of service and dedication.

Bill was born February 4, 1934, in Catawba County, North Carolina to the late Jones Edward Crump and Margaret Goebel Crump. Bill bravely and honorably served as a Sergeant in the United States Army from 1952 – 1955. During the Korean War, he was part of a Reconnaissance Unit specializing in Military Intelligence. His unwavering dedication earned him multiple commendations. He was a graduate of Hickory High School and attended Lenoir Rhyne University. Following his military service Bill embarked on a distinguished career spanning 40 years as a Supervisor with the Olin Chemical Corporation. His expertise extended to his work as a valued member of the Olin Chemical Emergency Assistance Network (OCEAN) Hazmat Team. He ensured the safe cleanup and recovery of rail car hazardous material spills across the United States and Canada. Bill was a devoted Christian and a long-time member of First Baptist Church Hildebran. He was a proud blood donor with a donation total of over 20 gallons. He enjoyed gardening, his Sunday School class, spending time with his family, and was a connoisseur of all things chocolate. Bill will be remembered not only for his steadfast faith in his Lord and Savior, service to his country, and professional accomplishments, but also for his unwavering integrity, and dedication to his family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers Robert Crump Sr., and Grady Crump Sr., and by three sisters, Ruth Johnson, Miriam Portis, and Sarah Eckard.

Surviving are the loves of his life, his wife of 68 years, Ruth Shook Crump of the home, and his daughter Dr. Tracy Crump and husband Bill Burkamp of Hickory. Also surviving are two sisters, Betty Blackburn of Newton, and Marjorie McDermott of Newport, and one brother, Kenneth Crump of Shelby, two sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.

A Service of Celebration will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Heritage Funeral Service with Rev. Ron Arndt and Dr. Andrew Rawls officiating. Inurnment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery, Connelly Springs, with military honors provided by the North Carolina Army National Guard.

The family will receive friends on Saturday prior to the service from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Service.

Memorials can be made to N.C. Baptist Children’s Home at P.O. Box 338
Thomasville, NC 27361  Telephone: 336-474-1230

Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory in Valdese is assisting the family.