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Hulon Crayton Obituary
Hulon E. Crayton, M.D., 58, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 14, 2015 at his residence surrounded by his family.
Hulon E. Crayton was a physician, professional musician, philanthropist, and a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was sole practitioner and owner of the Arthritis and Infusion Center, which he opened in 1998 after relocating to Panama City from Wisconsin. He had a passion for the practice of Rheumatology, which was clearly evident by his compassion for people and empathy for their medical concerns.
As a professional musician and saxophone player, Hulon published two CD's, First Impressions and After Hours. His third and fourth CD's are still in production. Hulon played a duet with Jeff Kashiwa at the Martin Theatre and opened for Michael Bolton at the Marina Civic Center.
He and his wife, Dinah, endowed the first scholarship earmarked for African American students at Florida State University, Panama City campus, and also endowed a scholarship at his undergraduate alma mater, Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, which is a historically black university. He also served on a number of boards in the community such as the Bay County Chamber of Commerce, the FSU-PCC Development Board, Bay Arts Alliance, and the Military Affairs Committee. In addition, he was a member of the Panama City Rotary Club and served as President of Basic of Northwest Florida for HIV/AIDS. Hulon served in the United States Army and attained the rank of Captain.
Hulon is survived by his beloved wife, Dinah Crayton, J.D., his children Hulon II, Corinna, and Darryl as well as his beautiful grandson, Aiden. He is also survived by his sisters, Charlotte D. Bates, Adego Everline Bates, Waheeda Adul Mateen, Tommie Jean Joiner, and a host of nephews, nieces, colleagues and friends. His father, Tommie Crayton, and his mother, Mavis Bates, preceded him in death.
Calling hours for Hulon E. Crayton, M.D. will be held at the St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 1021 N. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, Panama City, FL 32401 on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2015 at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Lynn Haven, 1005 Ohio Avenue, Lynn Haven, FL 32444. Interment will be held on Friday, February 27, 2015 at Barrancas National Cemetery with military honors.
Arrangements are under the ""Anointed Care"" of ""The wRight Choice"", Russell A. Wright, Sr. Mortuary, 1547 Lisenby Avenue, Panama City, FL 32405 (850) 640-2077.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Hulon Crayton
Debora Pummill
February 11, 2023
Hulon, It´s been 8 years since you left our lives. You and Dinah are still very much in our thoughts and prayers. Always a sweet, caring and generous man, you left your mark in so many lives. And consequently you will always be remembered and missed. We miss your impromptu visits to our home. The doorbell would ring and there you would be with a big smile on your face! You were in the area and wanted to say hi. We will always remember those visits along with the Ferrucci Pizza Nights, Bone Fish Brunch, and Jazz Concert get-togethers. Most of all, we will remember your sense of humor AND kindness to people in general. We know you are playing your Saxophone as we speak in the heavens above! Play on big man, one day I hope to hear you play again. Deb & Harley Pummill
Roger Hagan
February 11, 2022
How good was Dr. Crayton? All these years later my wife's Dr. (now in Alabama) is still using the same treatment plan Dr. Crayton began in the early 2000s. He said Dr. Crayton's diagnosis and treatment plan were exactly what he saw. Thanks Dr. C. for your early intervention.
Regina Fidler
February 12, 2016
Sure will remember his great music ..as I purchased a lot of it ! He was an awesome musician , a compassionate Physician , and a kindred soul . Missed by many .
John Kahaialii
April 28, 2015
I had the distinct pleasure of meeting this fine man in the army while stationed at Ft. Riley Kansas. I am saddened to hear of his passing. He played a mean sax, we jammed at the base, was always hopeful we would meet again on a battlefield or here in Hawaii where I reside. I will miss him in this life, but look forward to our meeting in the next. My condolences.
Robert Leighton
April 16, 2015
Dr. Crayton was a great influence on me in such a short time that I wanted to make sure I made record of his impact in my life. My name is Bob Leighton and Hulon found time to talk and inspire me on several occasions in recent years. I meet him through his wife Dinah. A more wonderful, kind couple I have never meet. After my initial introduction, I meet Hulon many more times by following his local music carrier and I remain a big fan of his music still. It was the way he always found time to talk about more than his passions. He found a way to connect to my interest, to ask questions about my life. Many conversations drifted into my life concerns which he was always willing to listen to and offer needed insight. His heart was as big as the man and that's saying a lot. I talked to Dinah over the period of his illness and found her to be positive and hopeful throughout. Her strength has amazed me. I know the lord is taking care of his newest star and I pray that he remembers Hulon's family. Hulon gave his life to goodness, kindness and ethically motivated action. I want his family to know that I will not forget Hulon, his spirit, his smile, his good works. Mostly I will not forget Hulon, the man. A wonderful man of god and positive action.
Michele Tschopp
April 8, 2015
I just learned of Hulon's death in the UW Alumni Quarterly. I would like to extend my sincere sympathy to his entire family.
I was a medical student and resident at UW when he was a rheumatology fellow. He was always so friendly and kind. May he Rest In Peace.
Fran Knapp
April 6, 2015
It was a pleasure to have met such a caring and talented "gentle"man. His kindness will be missed by many here on earth but are now being blessed by a multitude in heaven.
David Knapp, MD
April 6, 2015
The world has lost a good man. I am thankful I was able to know him. People like Hulon are few and far between.
Alan Bridges
April 4, 2015
Just heard about the untimely loss of my friend and colleague. Hulon was a kind compassionate physician. I greatly enjoyed our time spent training together at the University of Wisconsin. He will be missed.
Amy Pearman, PT
March 19, 2015
We are so sad to hear about Dr. Crayton. We were so fortunate to know him and work with him. He was such a joy! Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Deanna Kohl
March 11, 2015
Dear Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Crayton 's passing. I am glad to know he is home with the Lord. He was such a help to me with encouragement and diagnoses. Please know you have my sympathy and prayers.
Jean Mulverhill-Cole
March 11, 2015
This is late. I just learned of his death. I feel as though he saved my life. He helped through understanding Fibromyalgia when no one understood the pain and weirdness. Loved my weird dreams also. Dr Crayton made a difference in my life and I'm sure many others.
Jayshri Patel
March 4, 2015
Very very saddened to hear about Dr. Crayton. Had been a patient of his for the last 10 years and am going to miss him immensely. Our Prayers and hugs for the family in this very difficult time. My last visit with him stands out where we discussed my new grandmother status and he actually got so emotional that he cried!!! RIP Dr. Crayton - you are missed!!
Russ & Linda Pollino
March 4, 2015
We are so sorry we missed Dr. Crayon's funeral as we were out of town. He was our physician and friend. He will be missed. Always had a smile on his face and a laugh in his voice. God Bless you all.
Ira and Janet Weiner
March 4, 2015
Our condolences to Dr. Crayton's family. We always enjoyed our visits with him and will especially miss his corny jokes and his incredible smile.
Ira and Janet Weiner
Kim, Craig, and Delores Goebert
March 1, 2015
We were so sad to hear of Dr. Crayton's passing. He is a friend that we will miss here on earth, but know that we will see him again in heaven. We send our love and prayers to the family. We pray that the Holy Spirit will provide you with comfort during this difficult time. John 14:1-3 and 16
Craig Goebert
March 1, 2015
I will never forget the time that Dr. Crayton and I were talking about the rapture. He said that if he was sitting down eating a meal he was hoping that the Lord would let him grab a fried chicken leg on the way up. Just like there will be an empty space at 2917 Bay Med Plaza (where I will miss doing work for him through Bay Medical maintenance), there will definitely be an empty place in my heart for him. However, I know we will meet again, in heaven, some day soon.
February 28, 2015
I am so saddened but I know that you are with our father and may you now rest in peace. He was loved and will be remembered by many. I pray for peace for your family. Be blessed and know that God is in control,.
Zalwonaka Gainer- Leesburg, VA
Valesca Jackson
February 26, 2015
A very special person, my good doctor Crayton. May he RIP. My prays are going up for his family.
Theresa Zeider
February 25, 2015
A compassionate Dr. He will be missed. My prayers are with you all.
Melvin Kent
February 25, 2015
Our condolences and prayers are with the family at this time and Dr. Crayton you will truly be missed by us all.
Greg Rivers
February 25, 2015
Take comfort in knowing that you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Karen Steele
February 25, 2015
Thanks for your professional service. We will miss you as a physician. Praying for your family. REST IN LOVE. Karen Steele and Family
Eddie Hardaway
February 25, 2015
To the family, sorry for your loss. Dr Crayton you will be missed.
Debra Woods-Cornelius
February 25, 2015
God saw him getting tired and a cure was not to be. Your golden heart stopped beating, your hard working hands put to rest. When our Father took the Gentle Giant I realized He only takes the best. Rest In Peace Doc until we meet again.
Carolyn &Rodger Evans
February 25, 2015
You are the best we ever knew you will live in our hearts forever !i miss you so much, and thank the good lord for placing me and my husband with ! Your friends for ever ! Keep that sax with you I will see you on the other side!!
Janet Simpson Hardaway
February 24, 2015
I had the honor of working along side Dr Crayton as his nurse when he resided in Racine, Wisconsin His caring and giving mannerism made him outstanding . It was so evident in the way he cared for his patients. I learned so much from him during the time we worked together he made sure as his nurse I was knowledgeable in all aspects of his Rheumatolgy Practice. He worked hard in building his practice yet it was always first and foremost the love of his family. Certainly a man you could admire with strong work ethic and love of family. Dr Crayton you are gone from this physical world but not forgot. No more suffering no more pain . Rest in heaven you have earned your wings as you rest in the arms of our Lord and Savior .
Dr. William Abernathy
February 24, 2015
My heart is broken
Dr. Crayton was so special
As a fellow doctor he always treated my patients referred to him so well, both medically and as a person
Then I became a patient of his as well, and he was absolutely wonderful
Will miss him so much
God bless you Dr. Crayton!
And your family!
I will meet you again in Heaven!!!
February 24, 2015
My condolence to the Crayton Family and Friends. May the God of all comfort sustain you during this difficult time. -Isaiah 61:1,2
~catherine
Constance Bearnes
February 24, 2015
We send sincere sympathy to the family of Dr. Crayton. He made a difference at Lincoln University and to the university community. "Lincoln, O Lincoln, We thy proud children are, Thou are our guiding star, Lincoln believe." It was a pleasure to meet him and to hear his music.
Michael Sarra
February 24, 2015
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Deirdre Allen
February 23, 2015
I was very saddened to hear of Dr. Crayton's passing. In 2011 I lost my father. Four months later my mother became extremely ill and I thought I was about to loose her too. I had been misdiagnosed and was also dealing with that until by divine appointment ran into Dr. Crayton in the parking lot at the Lynn Haven Post Office. Although I did not know him well at that time, I confided in him. Dr. Crayton ministered to me and gave the best medical consultation I have ever received. I have and will always believe that God placed him there at that exact moment in time to help me. Dr. Crayton would not hesitate to help people and was one of the kindest people I have ever met. In my life, he will be remembered not only for giving his whole heart to a cause and being a wonderful person, but for also being in the right place at the right time. So, having said that, I know he is in the right place....HEAVEN at the right time....NOW! He will be sorely missed. It was a blessing to have known him. May God bless and keep the family during this very difficult time.
Deirdre Allen
February 22, 2015
I was very saddened to hear of Dr. Crayton's passing. In 2011 I lost my father. Four months later my mother became extremely ill and I thought I was about to loose her too. I had been misdiagnosed and was also dealing with that until by divine appointment ran into Dr. Crayton in the parking lot at the Lynn Haven Post Office. Although I did not know him well at that time, I confided in him. Dr. Crayton ministered to me and gave the best medical consultation I have ever received. I have and will always believe that God placed him there at that exact moment in time to help me. Dr. Crayton would not hesitate to help people and was one of the kindest people I have ever met. In my life, he will be remembered not only for giving his whole heart to a cause and being a wonderful person, but for also being in the right place at the right time. So, having said that, I know he is in the right place....HEAVEN at the right time....NOW! He will be sorely missed. It was a blessing to have known him. May God bless and keep the family during this very difficult time.
William and Pearlene Pratt
February 22, 2015
Dr. Crayton was the GREATEST. MY husband searched for years for a Rheumatologist with Dr. Craytons' Qualities. Non can compare. He is and will be MISSED! Our PRAYERS are with you. GOD BLESS YOU!
Sheldon (Bay Medical ER/Nursing Supervisor) Sloane R.N
February 21, 2015
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Jacque Boyer
February 21, 2015
Dr. Crayton will truly be missed. He was such an amazing and caring man for so many people. I feel privilege to have known him and to call him my friend. He had such an amazing love for his family, career, and music. You will always be in our hearts!
Charlotte Burruss
February 21, 2015
I never got to meet Dr. Crayton, but heard so many great inspiritional words about him.
Praying that God comfort and give you strenght forever and always.
G. Brown
February 20, 2015
Thank you Dr. Crayton for giving me back my ability to do with my family. It pains me that you are not here anymore, but blesses my soul that you are in God's hands.
G. Brown
February 20, 2015
To the Crayton family: Thank you for allowing us to share in your grief and loss for Dr. Crayton. He was a wonderful doctor and made each person feel like a personal friend of his. I pray for your continual healing .
February 20, 2015
A wonderful doctor. I will miss sharing jazz stories and talking cars. The community has lost a remarkable man.
Anthony Frederick
Wanda Pye
February 20, 2015
So sorry to hear of his passing. I worked at Kurten Medical Group when he practicing there. I had great care from him as a patient.
Wanda Pye
February 20, 2015
So sorry to hear. I worked at Kurten Medical Group when he was there. He gave me great care as a patient.
carol zanotti
February 20, 2015
God's peace be with you. Cherish the memories you created with Dr Crayton. I will always remember him for his caring and loving. Coworker from Kurten Medical.
February 20, 2015
You. In. Our. Prayers. Walker. FAmily
sue sucharda-schroeder
February 20, 2015
Dr.Crayton was a wonderful doctor and co-worker. We all enjoyed his company while at Kurten Medical in Racine,Wi
February 20, 2015
My mother was in pain for years before she was referred to Dr. Crayton. Dr. Crayton was so patient and caring to her, and got her out of pain! Not to mention he spoiled her rotten! Even signing to her on her birthday! What a wonderful man he was! We are praying for your Family! The Brown and Best Family!
February 20, 2015
Hulon was (is) a Godly man who will always have a special place in our hearts. He had such a kind and gentle manner. We will miss him so very, very much. Love and blessings to all his family.
Chuck & Katie Parker
Carla Rietkerk
February 20, 2015
It's with heavy heart that I hear of Hulon's passing. He was an occasional customer of mine but never made me feel less than him simply for being a bartender. He loved to listen to my bar stories and always said I was living the life. Above all he loved his family. On behalf of Ms. Newby's play on Doc you'll be missed for sure.
Carol Zanotti
February 20, 2015
Those we love don't go away,they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear. My prays and thought are with you.
former co-worker from Kurten Medical Racine,WI
Tricia Kastler
February 20, 2015
Dr. Crayton was an amazing doctor, who took the time to listen to his patients and demonstrated a depth of caring sadly rare in the medical community. I wish I had known him longer, but I'm honored he was my doctor for the last two years. He will be missed, but I am overjoyed that we'll meet again in Heaven. May God bless his family and staff during this time of loss. (The buckeye patient)
Dee Clark
February 19, 2015
Dr. Crayton was a pleasure to care for while he was here in Birmingham. Your whole family is in our thoughts and prayers. He was an inspiration of how to be joyful in even the hardest of times and is greatly missed.
Judy Hardy
February 19, 2015
To the family of Dr.Crayton: What a wonderful, compassionate, interesting, funny and kind person Dr.Crayton was. He touched my life as I am sure he did hundreds of otbers. He was able to help me when no one else was able to and always treated me with respect, no matter what the problem happen to be that day. He had an unbelievable infectious smile. I loved talking to him about his music and his family. He was so very proud of his family. He will be missed beyond words. Rest In Peace Dr.Crayton.
Debbie Null
February 19, 2015
Doc was an awesome man, he miraculously made my pain go away. I told him he definitely had anointed hands for healing. We will miss him.
Eric Wolf
February 19, 2015
Years ago, back in Madison, Hulon was my workout partner, motivator, inspiration and dear friend. The world lost an amazing physician and musician, and his family lost a fabulous father and husband. To Hulon's family, I offer my deepest sympathies.
February 19, 2015
TO THE FAMILY OF DR. HULON CRAYTON I WOULD LIKE TO OFFER MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO YOU. DR. CRAYTON WAS A PROFESSIONAL, DEDICATED, PATIENT MAN..I APPRECIATED HAVING BEEN ONE OF HIS PATIENTS, HE WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED...PRAYING FOR YOUR STRENGTH.
REBECCA MATHIS-FLOYD
APALACHICOLA, FL
Debora Pummill
February 19, 2015
Hulon was one of the most caring and positive people that I have ever had the privilege of knowing. He lives on forever in my heart. Rest in peace my dear friend. Prayers and condolences to his family.
February 19, 2015
Doctor Crayton was a man of great integrity. May he forever rest in peace. Prayers to the family.
carolyn lewis
February 18, 2015
your soft spoken voice of encouragement we will no longer hear. But I know you are talking and playing softly just for God to hear. I feel like my other Pops is gone. Doc has been my doctor for 10 years. He is family to us. But we all know that he fought the good fight. We love him God loved him best. Play on DOC
Chris Christian
February 18, 2015
it grieves me greatly to learn of the passing of a fantastic individual, a highly gifted, extraordinary human, and a personal friend. Rest in peace Dr. Hughlon Crayton, you will be forever missed!
Suzanne Birchfield
February 18, 2015
My thoughts and prayers go to you and your family. Please take comfort in knowing that now you have a very special guardian angel to watch over you.
patty rowland
February 18, 2015
My prayers go out to Dr. Crayton's family...I was a patient of his. He will be missed...He was the best Doctor ever...May he play his sax in Heaven...
John Trotter MD
February 18, 2015
I awakened early yesterday morning focused on my patients and doing my best that day. As I awaited the arrival of my patient to the operating room, a nurse guided me to a quiet place and with tears in her eyes, said Dr. Crayton had passed. Hulon and I were college roommates at Lincoln University. We practiced medicine together as physicians at Kurten Medical Clinic in Racine. When he move to Florida, the years escaped us as we did our best to provide for our families and our patients. We both lost touch with each other. Winter of 2013 I learned of his illness. We communicated immediately again after so many years of silence establishing the fact that "true" friendship is never lost. I am so proud of Hulon and all that he accomplished. I am honored to have known the friend I call "Crayton." I believe that death can not destroy the friendship of those who believe in God, therefore although I will miss him, I believe we will meet again. Dinah, may God be with you and your family forever.
Alice Martin
February 18, 2015
My doctor, my friend. I shall miss you. I shall never forgot seeing you in taekwondo with my daughter Leigh as you practiced for your Black Belt. My life is better because of you. Thank you.
Roger Hagan
February 18, 2015
We share the sorrow of Dr. Crayton's family. He diagnosed my wife with RA after a year of suffering without having found the problem. His treatment regimen has help her. We always found him to be kind, concerned, caring, and compassionate. He was an asset to West Florida. May God help heal the family's heart.
Peter Slatcoff
February 18, 2015
Our sincere condolences to the Crayton family. Dr. Crayton saved my wife Julie's life as a result of his observation during a visit to his office. For that we will always be grateful. Hulon, may God bless you.
Catherine M Rigdon
February 18, 2015
To his family and friends....so sorry for your loss of such a great man! I only knew him from his medical office as I was one of his infusion patients...thanks to him my arthritis was rediagnosed and he was doing all to get it back under control, as I have had this disease since I was 18 months old...he had told me that he was amazed to see me as I was the first kid ever diagnosed with JRA....I was very thankful for his help in trying to get it back under control....he was such a caring doctor which you don't find often anymore...again, so sorry for your loss. Blessed Be!
Ann Wright
February 18, 2015
Was so sorry to read of the passing of Hulon. He was such an awesome person. Lew and I felt so blessed to have gotten to work across the hall with him at Kurten. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Regina Fidler
February 18, 2015
Another kind soul added to Gods kingdom . He will be missed here on earth . My deepest heartfelt sympathy to the family ♡
Leonold Evans
February 17, 2015
Dinah,
Our thoughts, prayers, and condolences are with you and your family. May God comfort and keep you.
Dawn Ramsey
February 17, 2015
You You My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I didn't know him personally but I knew of him when I lived in Racine, WI. I only heard good things about him.
Kelly Smith
February 17, 2015
I am saddened to hear of Dr. Crayton's passing. We worked together at Kurten Medical Group in Racine and he was a true friend and admired colleague. I have many treasured memories of our days worked together. May he rest in peace, he will be missed.
Gloria Lopez
February 17, 2015
Hulon Crayton, You were our Dr. when I played football for the Emerald Coast Sharks and my Dr. I will miss you dearly. I will always remember your kindness and all that your did for us. You will be truly missed! You'll always be in my heart!
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