Obituary: WILLIAM “BILL” EDWARD CREWS
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William “Bill” Edward Crews, 91, went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 24, 2024, after a decline in his health over the last several years. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Born on May 19, 1932, in Pitt County North Carolina, Bill grew up on a dairy farm, living in many different areas of North Carolina before the family settled in Shiloh, NC. He was always proud to be from Shiloh and had fond memories growing up as a member of a large family, with 14 brothers and sisters. He loved to tell all the stories (over and over) of his childhood and the shenanigans with his siblings. Sometimes the stories would change to protect the innocent (or guilty).
Bill was a proud graduate of Stoneville High School, class of 1950.
Bill was a Regional Manager for American Family Life Assurance Company (AFLAC) where he worked for 33 years, until his retirement. While working for AFLAC, he also served as Mayor of Stoneville for a total of 22 years. He loved helping and serving others, which was evident in all facets of his life. Until his health declined, he enjoyed spending time with family, talking with family and friends on the phone, and discussing the latest political headlines with anyone willing to engage in that topic of conversation.
Bill came to know Jesus as his Savior as a teenage boy at King Memorial Baptist Church. He faithfully served the Lord all his days and was never afraid to stand up for Jesus, speak of the love of his Father, and share his testimony.
Bill’s face would light up at the mention of his great-grandchildren, grandchildren, children, and his wife (most days, in that order). He truly loved them with his whole heart. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Mayodan. In his younger years, he served the Lord there as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, choir member and Youth Leader (alongside his wife, Nellie). He loved music and many hours were spent around the piano at home with family. He and his brothers and sisters were known for their “all night sing-alongs”. When Michele learned to play the piano, many nights were spent with her at the piano and the two of them singing. Great memories were being made that will always be cherished. Bill was also proud of Eddie’s natural talent for playing the guitar and writing songs. In Bill’s last months of life, he enjoyed listening to music through an Echo Dot given to him by a special cousin of Hank and Michele, Ellen Nelson. She was always searching for ways he could enjoy life more as he became immobile, and he appreciated her taking the time to research ideas and items for him.
In his younger years, Bill participated in many local civic organizations and government agencies. He loved serving the people in our community.
Bill is survived by his wife of 65 years, Nellie Taylor Crews; their children whom he loved dearly, William Edward Crews, Jr. (Alison Claybrook Collins Crews) and Kimberly Michele Crews (Charles Lynn “Hank” Hankins); grandchildren: Caroline Crews Dunkelberger (Isaac), William “Will” Edward Crews, III, Dr.’s William Barker (Sarah), Ashley Brim (Taylor), Nate Hankins (Janine), Ashley Hankins McCoy (Daniel), Courtney Hankins Williams, Amber DeAnn Hankins, and Kayley Haven Shelton; great-grandchildren: Emma Jane and Wyatt Smith Barker, Noah and Hannah Hankins, Kate, Caleb, and Kelsey Jo McCoy, and Chandler Williams; brother, Reverend Dr. James Grady Crews; sister, Elizabeth “Beth” Crews Sexton (Earl); aunt, Marie Neville Blake and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin Staples (“Jack”) and Clarreen Neville Crews; his brothers and sisters, Carlton Crews, Hope Crews Durham, Marvin Crews, Merle Crews Irving, Lena Frances Crews, Sue Crews Strong, Alma Dean Crews Newnam, Annie Crews McPherson, Jack Crews, Doris Crews Elliott, Norman Crews, and David Crews.
Special thanks to Karen Janke, NP and the nurses of Trellis Supportive Care for their support, compassion, and love they’ve shown to Bill and his family over the past two years.
The staff at Eden Rehabilitation and Healthcare were phenomenal in caring for Bill the last two weeks of his life. They tended to his every need and made sure that Nellie was able to go see him as often as she wished. It was truly God’s plan for Bill and Nellie to be together for a little while at the end of Bill’s life. It is so evident that God’s hand was all in this. The family is so thankful.
In his final hours of life, the family is grateful for the kindness and compassion of the nurses from AuthoraCare Collective.
Also, thanks go to Kirkland Dickey, PA and the staff of LifeBrite Family Medical. Kirk showed great care and concern for Bill over the last several years. His kindness and concern will never be forgotten by Bill’s family. Prior to Kirk’s care for Bill, appreciation and thanks goes to Dr. Cynthia Butler who cared for him for 30+ plus years, until her retirement.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to First Baptist Church of Mayodan, 101 N. 1st Avenue, Mayodan, NC 27027, Trellis Supportive Care, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103, and/or AuthoraCare Collective, 2500 Summit Avenue, Greensboro NC.
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