Dale Crowder

On July 26, 2022, Dale Crowder died surrounded by family. Born June 29, 1941 in Candler, N.C., son of Clarence Aaron and Ethel Morgan Crowder, Dale grew up in the Asheville area where he graduated from Enka High School. Dale served in the North Carolina National Guard from 1959 – 1962 as a Heavy Weapons Infantryman. He always had a great love for his home and country. Dale was raised on a dairy farm and maintained a love for all God’s creatures. Some of his favorite tales involved his experiences with dogs, horses and cows during his youth. Dale was an accomplished welder, the career that was to be his primary work throughout his adult life. After retirement he thoroughly enjoyed being a transport driver for John Heister Chevrolet for a number of years as he travelled to many states and cities, particularly on the East Coast. Dale was trained in Bible Studies and actually became an ordained minister of the Word of God. He was quite learned in both Bible Studies and current affairs (politics), primarily being self-taught. He was not a man who shied away from controversial subjects and enjoyed a lively discussion on many a topic. In the last few years, Dale thoroughly enjoyed sharing his family history and personal anecdotes with those family members closest to him. Like most folks, Dale had a great love for the N.C. mountains, his birthplace, but particularly for his large family members and their contributions to the community where they lived “in the hills”. He showed interest in learning continually, spending many hours attempting to master the most current handheld gadget.

Dale was a longtime member of Kennebec Baptist Church where he was a regular fixture until his declining health prevented continued participation. He served in various leadership roles and contributed greatly to the effectiveness of the congregation. Throughout his life, Dale was a devoted friend, loving husband and dependable person in general. His hearty laughter will be sorely missed by many as will his wonderful bear hugs. Dale cherished everyone in his family as a husband, father, grandfather and brother. He was preceded in death by his parents, 1st wife, Amanda Jane Freeman Crowder, four brothers, three sisters, several nieces and nephews, a step daughter and a stepson.

Dale is survived by his loving wife of thirty-five years, Snowdrop Walls Crowder, a son Dale, Jr., a stepson Larry Wimberley (Rose), a stepdaughter Connie Sheorn (Steve), ten step-grandchildren and ten step-great-grandchildren, three loving sisters-in-law and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 12-1PM on Saturday July 30 at O'Quinn Peebles Phillips Funeral Home, 1310 S. Main Street in Lillington. A funeral service will follow the visitation at 1PM in the funeral home chapel with Larry Wimberley officiating. The family requests that all attendees observe COVID-19 protocols and wear a mask for the visitation and funeral service. A private burial will follow the service at Kennebec Baptist Church in Angier. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the building fund at Kennebec Baptist Church, 9808 Kennebec Church Rd. Angier, NC 27501.

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