Mr. Henry William Crowder

Passed 08/15/2022

Obituary For Mr. Henry William Crowder

We all endure a process of becoming…who we are meant to become. Most of us fundamentally think of life as a burden. Life is but a process, by which we ultimately chiseled, by The Almighty God according to His plan, into who we will be, and assigned to what effect we will have on the world.

The Charlotte Panthers lost a dedicated fan on Monday, August 15, 2022. Henry “Legend” Crowder, Man of God, devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend of Wadesboro, NC departed his earthly home at the age of 77 surrounded by his family, at Atrium Hospice of Monroe, NC.

The greatest event in Henry’s life was the day he married the beautiful Mattie Kate Hough Crowder on August 31, 1969. Their marriage of 52 years was one of love, kindness, devotion, support, and respect. Their marriage endures as a model for their descendants. Henry was a respected and hardworking man who provided for his family; he was a carpenter and worked in the agriculture industry producing one of the country’s most important products, poultry.

He began his walk with Christ at a very early age as a child. At an early age, he joined Meltonville Baptist Church; later changed to New Meltonville Baptist Church where he remained an active member until his health declined. Henry practiced his faith in every aspect of his life through prayer, a lifetime of kind words and good deeds. He always gave thanks to God upon awakening for sparing his life each and every day until he transitioned to his heavenly home.

Henry was born on February 14, 1945, in Anson County, North Carolina. Henry’s deep rooted Christian faith carried him through several difficult times. Through it all, he never gave up hope. A child of God born at the end of the Great Depression; Henry was the fourth oldest child of eleven children; born to the late John William and Lessie Collins Crowder. Henry was preceded by death by his three siblings Gertrude Chambers, Sarah Knotts, and James Ernest Crowder; sisters-in-law, Evelyn Little, Ammie McNair and Beulah Mickle; as well as brothers-in-law, William Joe Hough, Thomas Hough, and James Edward Hough.

Henry is survived by his children, oldest daughter, Cathy Burch (James), babygirl, Pamela Crowder-Spikes (Johnny) and his protégé A’Carlos (Traie) Hough all of Charlotte. Surrogate children Roseztta McCray (Robert), Kishia Dunlap, Alvin Conrad (Mary) Little and Keith (Queenie) Lee of Wadesboro. Henry was blessed with four grandchildren Matthew Joseph, Jamarcus Crowder, Amari and A’mya Hough. Great grandchildren, Alani Cuff, Sebastian Henry Lee Crowder, Levi Crowder and Sage Velez.

Henry has four sisters, Rosa Martin of Greensboro NC, Emma Bennett Watson of Wadesboro, Mary Green Of Greensboro and Marilyn (Frank) Watson of Red Oak Texas. Three brother’s Purcell (Johanna) of Bowie Maryland, Larry (Sylvia) of Vacaville, CA and Truman Crowder of Polkton, NC, brothers-in-law Calvin Knotts of Midland, NC. Sisters-in-laws, Shelia Mitchell Crowder of Greensboro, NC, Helen Campbell of Greensboro NC, Callie (Ronald) Powe of Wadesboro NC, Irene (James) Mason of Greensboro, NC, Johnsie and Annie Hough of Wadesboro NC, and Glenda (Ernest) Spencer, Lilesville, NC. God-sisters, Bonita Bowman, Joletha (Edward) Little, Sallie (Theo) Gray and God-brothers, Henry Lee and Lester Dunlap. Special neighbors of Richmond Street-Wadesboro: Peggy and Bobby Simon, Greg Dean, Charlie Little, Larry Sturdivant and Vernon Bennett; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Beyond all, Henry’s greatest love was his family and community; he was respected and admired by his children; he would tell his children when they were young, “hard work yields great rewards.” Henry was a constant presence, cheerleader, our greatest supporter, and fan. He was a father to the fatherless; a big brother, amazing uncle and friend to many in Anson and surrounding counties.

Henry grew fishing in Anson with several family members, where he developed a lifelong love of fishing with his best friend, Mr. Johnny C. Robinson. As an adult, he loved spending time at the pond and hunting with family and friends over the years, especially with Mr. Johnny. One of his greatest pleasures was cooking and feeding his brothers. Henry leaves many treasured loved ones, but we know he will miss (and be missed) at all those family gatherings. His spirit will live on in the hearts of his wife, children, grandchildren, family, and friends. In Igbo culture, when a great king passes on, they say, "Oke osisi adaala n'obodo," which means "a great tree has fallen in the land." It is a rare occurrence for great trees to fall. However, the fall is also not the end of the tree because its deep roots ensures it keeps sending out new sprouts.

The Services to Honor the Life and Legacy of Mr. Crowder will be on Monday, August 22, 2022, 1:00pm, in the Chapel of Smith's Funeral Home, 604 Salisbury Street, Wadesboro, North Carolina. Interment will be at Westview Memorial Park, Highway 74-West, Wadesboro, North Carolina.

The Crowder Family will greet family and friends on Monday, August 22, 2022 from 12:30-1:00pm in the Chapel of Smith's Funeral Home and at all other times at the family residence 251 Richmond Street, Wadesboro, North Carolina.

The public viewing for Mr. Crowder will be on Sunday, August 21, 2022 from 3:30-6:30 at Smith's Funeral Home.

Face Mask/Coverings are REQUIRED to be worn.