Lake Park, Ga - Lt. Thomas (Tommy) M. Crews, Jr. (Retired)

February 4, 1949 - June 24, 2025

Thomas "Tommy" Crews, Jr. was born in Lamar County, Georgia, and moved to Valdosta at the age of seven - a place he would proudly call home for the rest of his life. At just 17 years old, Tommy answered the call to serve his country, joining the U.S. Army in 1967 and bravely deploying to Vietnam. A proud Vietnam Veteran, he served with honor and distinction.

After completing his active duty service, Tommy continued his commitment to country and community through nearly a decade with the Army National Guard. His heart for service led him next to the Lowndes County Sheriff's Department, where he spent almost 30 years as a dedicated law enforcement officer. Even after retirement, Tommy's sense of duty never wavered - he volunteered as an investigator with the Lake Park Police Department, continuing to give back in the way he knew best.

Tommy was known for his infectious laugh, his kind and generous spirit, and his deep devotion to family. He believed wholeheartedly that if he just tried hard enough, he could make everyone around him happy. Family meant everything to Tommy, and time spent with his loved ones was what he cherished most.

He was passionate about rebuilding hotrods, a hobby he shared with his dear friend who became like a brother, Steve Englehart. His second passion was golf, and in recent years, he often prayed for the chance to play just one more round. A loyal college football fan, Tommy especially enjoyed watching Auburn games with his children - those game days were some of his happiest moments.

Tommy's legacy is one of courage, integrity, and selflessness. He touched countless lives through his service and his genuine warmth, always ready to lend a hand or share a laugh. Though his absence leaves a deep void, we find comfort in knowing he is now in the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Tommy will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him, but his light continues to shine through the lives he impacted.

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We invite you to join us for a Celebration of Life on July 26th at 1:00 at The Historic Downtown Courthouse, located at 100 East Central Avenue, Valdosta GA.

Tommy was preceded in death by:

● Father, Thomas M. Crews, Sr.

● Mother, Michael Crews Griffin

● Father-in-law, Ipo Culpepper, Sr.

● Mother-in-law, Mina Mae Culpepper

● Sisters: Gloria Crews Lightsey and Faye Crews (Gadsden, AL)

● Brother: Lee A. Crews, Sr. (Valdosta, GA)

● Sister-in-law: Pat Makowski (MD)

● Brother-in-law: Ipo (Budd) Culpepper, Jr. (TX)

● Niece: Missy Lyons (MD)

Survived by:

● His "Proverbs 31" wife of 57 years, Gena Culpepper Crews

● Daughters: Marie Crews Suggs (Rick Parker), and Shawn Crews McDonald (Yank)

● Son: Tom "Tiger" Crews III (Amy) of Lake Park, GA

● Brother: Michael Crews of Chelsea, AL

● Grandchildren:

o Storm Conaway (Loren) of Lake Park, GA

o Katelyn "Kati-Bugg" Crews (IN)

o Brianna "Bree" Wester of Lake Park, GA

● Great-grandchildren: Cayton Conaway and Paisley Conaway of Lake Park, GA

Also survived by beloved nieces and nephews:

● Dennis Lightsey (Nancy) of Chelsea, AL

● Deborah Lightsey (AL)

● Donna Lightsey Peak (Craig) of Albany, GA

● Lee Crews, Jr. (Jessica)

● Derik Crews (Kristen)

● Dee Hayes (Tom)

● Kitty Mowdy

● Lynnie Bergling (George)

Cherished friends:

● Richard and Sharon Rykard

● Kay Englehart and Christy

● Kieth and Rhonda Eden

● Van and Dot Hastings

● Ronnie McKinney

● Bruce Barnes

● Bill Spells (Lori)

● Billie Jo Stacey Slaughter (Michael)

● Sheriff Ashley and Ginger Paulk