John Davis Crowell (Johnny) met his Lord face to face on July 13, 2023. There he joined his beloved wife of 65 years a mere 2 months after her passing Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, July 17th, at First Methodist Church, with Rev. Mike Childs officiating. Visitation will be Monday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the church. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Johnny was born in Winston County on April 5, 1939 to Frank and Myrtis Crowell. Johnny is preceded in death by his parents; wife of 65 years, Claire Crowell; son Doug Crowell; brother Billy Crowell; and his sister Louise Cravens.
He leaves behind his son, David Crowell of Atlanta, GA; grandson Jon Richard Crowell (April) of Flowood, MS; great granddaughter Causey of Flowood, MS; niece Claire DeVitalis (Charles) of Austin, TX; nephew Jimmy Johnson (Dianne) of Long Beach, MS; niece Billy Joy Tucker (Jeff) of Eldridge, Alabama; and niece Kimberley Higgason (Neil) of Louisville, MS. Johnny also leaves behind cousins, other loving relatives, and a group of special friends that have meant so much to him during his life.
He was always remembered as a hard worker, even as a child. He began his working career as a helper to Hoyt McKay, a brick mason. Later, he worked for McCully’s Grocery and at age 20, he joined Southern Natural Gas Company where he worked for 35 years.
Johnny enjoyed sports and coached little league baseball teams for over twelve years. Once, when the school was planning to destroy pee wee football uniforms, he got them and had one for all of the boys in the neighborhood. One of those boys even went on to play football for Ole Miss. If Johnny wasn’t working or playing ball with the neighborhood kids, you could find him in his little red shop working on his latest carpentry project.
Johnny always felt led to serve his community. He was on the Housing Committee for many years, served on the Zoning Committee, was an Ambassador for the Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Economic Development program.
Johnny grew up in Murphy Creek Baptist Church, but after he and Claire married, he began attending First Methodist Church. He later joined and raised his boys in this church. Johnny was dedicated to his church and served in many capacities including the Administrative Board and as a volunteer in the Nursery Department. It has been said about Johnny, “If he tells you he will do something, he will and he has never been known to tell a lie.” Johnny will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Pallbearers will be David Crowell, Jon Richard Crowell, Jerry Tiller, Roger Caperton, Rodney Bagwell, and Alan Krajewski.
Memorials may be made in Johnny’s memory to First Methodist Church, P. O. Box 523, Louisville, MS, 39339.