Raymond Hollis Crutchfield
1927-2023
Raymond Hollis Crutchfield, age 95, of Alabaster passed away peacefully on April 11, 2023, at home with family at his bedside. Raymond grew up in Sulligent where he enjoyed life with his family and friends. He attended the United Methodist Church there.
Raymond was a World War II veteran where he served honorably in the European theatre. He was a member of Masonic Lodge 808 in Central Park, where he achieved Master Mason and became a member of Zamora Shrine. Participating many years in the Shriner’s Clown Unit, he brought smiles to countless children in hospitals and special events. He also enjoyed driving children to the Shriner’s Hospital across the country for treatment.
He married the love of his life Beatrice on June 27, 1947. They loved and cared for each other until her death in 2016. Raymond & Beatrice were members of First Baptist Church of Alabaster.
He was a friend to everyone he met. Raymond loved and took great pride in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He especially loved spending time with family watching his beloved Atlanta Braves and University of Alabama football.
When he was younger, he and Beatrice loved to go dancing (and they were admired by all). They were also avid bowlers. Later in life, Raymond took up golf and became very good, sometimes golfing up to 4 days a week with his retired friends. He played well into his 80’s.
Born with a green thumb and talent for growing vegetables; Raymond had a big garden every year up until last year, giving away bushels more than he ever kept for himself.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Horace and Daisy Crutchfield, his brothers J.C. and Junior, and sisters Ruby Lee and Mary Frances.
Raymond Crutchfield is survived by his daughter, Brenda Allen; sons, Hollis Crutchfield (Jan) and Steve Crutchfield (Dana); grandchildren Dana Thompson, Brad Clay, Holly Noble, Rachel Vines, Melanie Flynn, Shannon Schmitz, Taylor Crutchfield and Brady Crutchfield; great grandchildren Savannah, Seb, Sadie, Silas, Macie, Colin, Sophia, Lukas, Becket, Brendan and Declan. He is also survived by his brothers Homer Crutchfield and Bill Crutchfield and a host of other relatives.
Mr. Crutchfield will be laid to rest alongside Beatrice at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo. Graveside service will be held on Friday, April 28th, 2023 at 2:00PM with military honors provided by the U.S. Army.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation the Shriner’s Hospital for Children at www.lovetotherescue.org .