Sylvester Crowell, 76, of Phenix City, AL passed Wednesday, February 7, 2024 in Columbus, GA.
Funeral service will be 11:30 a.m. EST, Friday, February 16, 2024 at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Steven Garrett, Pastor, officiating. Internment will follow at Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery. Public viewing from 1-5 p.m. EST, Thursday, February 15, 2024.
Sylvester “Butch” Crowell departed this earthly life and went to his heavenly home, February 7, 2024. He was born to the late Ernest and Ernestine Cannon Crowell on March 16, 1947. God blessed him immensely when he met and married the love of his life, Gloria Marie Crowell, January 14, 1977. They were blessed with three sons: Platon, Ernest and Eric.
He was an only child but grew up in close relationship with eight of his cousins. They saw each other regularly and established a life-long bond. As an only child, his parents gave him almost everything he desired. One Christmas they got “Butch” a motorcycle before he was old enough to ride; however, that did not stop him or his friends from taking it for a spin.
He attended Susie E. Allen Elementary School and graduated from South Girard High School in 1966. He was a gifted athlete. He played football in high school but excelled at baseball. While young men his age were playing with their peers, he played on teams with adults. They respected and valued him as a team member.
After high school, “Butch” was drafted in the Army and did a tour of duty in Vietnam until the untimely death of his father. In 1972, he went to work for Uniroyal Rubber Plant in Opelika, AL and retired in 2000.
He accepted Christ at an early age under the leadership of Reverend Thornton of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church. He was president of the male choir and quite a popular Chairman of the Annual Men’s Day Program.
“Butch” was a great husband and father. He took his role as “dad” very seriously. When he was not coaching his sons in sports, you could always find him on the side lines cheering them on. He went to great lengths to attend every game. “Butch” also had a remarkable spirit of hospitality on his life. He and his beloved Marie enjoyed entertaining family and friends at their home. He was an expert Grill master and she made all the delicious sides.
He loved family. He single-handedly organized the first reunion of his family in 2002 and was the spirit and inspiration behind the reunion in July 2023. His efforts were so highly valued and appreciated that the Steering Committee proclaimed him “Mr. CEO.” A moniker he affectionately adopted.
He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife, Gloria Marie Crowell; his three sons, Platon (Jamille), Ernest and Eric (KiKi); three grandchildren, Deqadri Jefferson, and Lauryn and Kaylin Crowell; one bonus granddaughter, Rilee McCall; two great-granddaughters, Moriah and Eryn Jefferson; Sister and Brother Cousins: Ernestine Jordan (Leonard), Margie Holmes, Adelaide Wilder (Cornel), Johnnie Cannon (Sandra), Janet Adams (Eula), Jean Swanson, Derrick Cannon (Maggie); Cousins, Meretha Ashford and Shirley Hughley; and a host of beloved family and friends.
I am sorry to hear of the loss of Crow. You have my deepest sympathy. You all were special friends to me and Ronnie. Glad we passed each other's way.
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RIP to my very first football coach. My memories of you will last forever.
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Marie, you were a kind and supportive wife to your husband. You two were always a shining example of what love is. His presence will be surely missed. He worked hard to make sure everything was done fairly when it came to the church. His confidence to boldly make his plight for and speak up for what was right for the church was admirable. He is resting with God now and Heaven is rejoicing. Call on me when you need me and I will be right there for you. I love you sis.
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We offer our Sincere and Deepest Condolences to the Crowell family. The Sparks family, Katherine and Alan.
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Sending love and prayers to you. Henry and Gail Abercrombie
- Judy Abercrombie
With Sincere condolences to Mrs. Crowell and family. We will always value our friendship and the relationship Adam developed with Eric and his brothers. From preschool through college Adam and Eric were inseparable; vacations, spending nights and weekends with each other and that special trip to Washington, DC. Such memorable experiences!!! Listening to Mr. Crowell give the boys advice was the best. I still smile when I think about some of thing he said. With love, Arthur and Cordelia B. Moffett Adam, Austin and Carsen
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Archie and Michelle Wilson of Birmingham, Al, would like to express our deepest, heartfelt, and sincerest condolences to family and friends of Slyvester Crowell. To know him was to know you were a friend and welcome wherever he was. He brought light, laughter, and joy everywhere he went. Never met a stranger! Thank you for being an amazing extended family to us, super grandfather to Lauryn, Kaylin, and Dequadri; and super-duper great-grandfather to Moriah and Erin. We love you; you will never be forgotten! Always missed! May your legacy extend through generations! Love Archie and Michelle❤️
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Archie & Michelle Wilson of Bham, Al, would like to express heartfelt & sincerest condolences to family & friends. Always in our ❤️
- Tangie C. Williams
With deepest sympathy and condolences, to the Crowell Family. Van Barrett.
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Our Deepest Sympathy. Eugene and Jetties White
- Jetties White
Pam and I are so sorry for your loss. David and Pam Derrick
- Jesse David Derrick
Our world will be different with the lost of our great friend Sylvester. I Will never forget his loyalty to the great South Girard Class of 1966. GENE & Jett White
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Sylvester was a great classmate and a tremendous friend and teammate. Our prayers are with Gloria and the family. GENE & JETTIES WHITE
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Our Sincere Condolences To The Crowell Family & May God Continue To Keep The Family Uplifted In Prayer. Lizzie Wiggins Todd & Voncile Todd Kalpen
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Sorry for your loss praying that God will ease your pain 🙏 Rose Carson and family
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Dear Marie and family, we are thinking of you all during this difficult time. Respectfully, Reginald, Deneen & D'Andre Hill, Phenix City, AL
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So sorry to hear of the passing of your loved one. "Crow" was well known throughout our family. May he rest in peace. Our deepest condolences. The Al Rutledge Family
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Sorry to hear about the loss of your love one praying for your family Arthur Beasley
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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
- Taylor Funeral Home, Inc | Phenix City, AL