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Joe Crutchfield Obituary
Joe Thomas Crutchfield of Wilmington, NC, died February 29, 2012. He was born in Raleigh, NC, the son of the late Thomas Gil Crutchfield and Pauline Chappell Crutchfield.
Joe is survived by his wife of 51 years, Kathryn Terrell Crutchfield; son of his heart, E. Keith Powell, Jr. and partner, Lindy Lumpkin of Huntersville, NC; sister, Mary Paulette Brown McCarthy and husband, Bill of Jacksonville, FL, brother-in-law, Edward L. Terrell and wife Christina B. Terrell of Raleigh, NC; nephews, Sean Ericson Brown and wife, Joan of Dumfries, VA, Dr. Patrick Roberson and wife, Emily of Raleigh, NC, Edwin Terrell of Charlotte, NC; niece, Elizabeth Terrell of Asheville, NC and great niece, Margaret Roberson of Raleigh, NC.
Joe and Kathryn were married in l960 while Joe was working as a research technician in electron microscopy at Duke. He left Duke in 1964 and moved to Wilmington to attend UNC Wilmington, graduating in l967. Joe became an educator with the New Hanover County Board of Education and served as a teacher and Assistant Principal at Roland Grise Jr. High, Associate Principal at New Hanover High School and Assistant to the Director of Programs for Exceptional Children. After retiring from the Board of Education, Joe was wedding coordinator for Will Rehder Florist using his love of flowers and flair for making a party come together.
Joe had very strong feelings about Hospice and the work they do. He served as Entertainment Director for the Festival of Trees, an event raising money for Lower Cape Fear Hospice, until his health prevented volunteering. He used his love of young people along with his talent for coordinating people and events over seven years as adult advisor to the NC Azalea Festival Youth Committee, director of the Azalea Festival Princess Pageant and Business Manager for the NC Azalea Festival Princess. Joe also loved music. He was organist and choir director for Kure Memorial Lutheran Church for six years.
The family would like to thank everyone who was always there for Joe; his dedicated life-long friends, caring neighbors and the staff at Pine Valley Market who always made certain his soup was "hot".
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403 or the charity of your choice.
A celebration of life service will be held at 3:00 PM on Friday, May 11, 2012 at the Cameron Art Museum, 3203 S. 17th St., Wilmington, NC.
Online condolences at StarNewsOnline.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joe Crutchfield
Helen Midgett Snow
May 8, 2017
Katherine, I used to go to Hillsborough Methodist Church with you and had at least one high school class with Joe. He was a grade ahead of me, but classmate came the closest of the categories offered by this website. I thought of him today when I heard the song "Deep Purple" on the radio; it reminded me of him, since I once heard him play it at Hillsboro High . I looked him up online to see where you and he were living and was sad to find his obituary. However, I was really pleased to think that he had such a meaningful life, serving people in so many ways! Obviously, based on the comments from former students, he was a great teacher, not to mention his other accomplishments.
Sena Coston
April 16, 2012
May you rest in peace Mr. Crutchfield.. Thank you for everything......
March 24, 2012
I have fond memories of Joe from working as a therapeutic assistant to a student in his English class. I learned a lot from him and regret that I lost contact with him over the years. My condolences to the family.
Ann Dosher, Wilmington, N.C.
Julie Williams
March 21, 2012
I loved Mr. Crutchfield when he taught me at Roland Grise. I was inspired by him and genuinely wanted to do my best work in his class. I clearly remember the comments he wrote on a paper I did on Amelia Earhart. When he told me a few years later that he was disappointed in my report card at NHHS, I got my act back together. He touched my life in a loving and memorable way, as I am sure he did countless others, and I have thought of him many, many times through the years. You have my most sincere sympathy in your loss.
Alton Lennon
March 21, 2012
Kathryn-I am sorry to learn of Joe's passing. He was obviously well thought of and respected as a teacher and as a person. I well remember the many kindnesses you and Granville showed me when I first came to the law firm. Take care of yourself.
Sincerely,
Alton
Jennifer Jones Bryan
March 19, 2012
I was a student of Mr. Cruthfield's at Roland Grise. I have fond memories of Mr. Crutchfield as one of my very favorite teachers. He cared about his students and made learning fun and interesting. He is a teacher I have remembered all these many years! My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Paula Turner
March 19, 2012
Mr Crutchfield was one of my teachers at Roland Grise. I had a lot of good teachers, but he stands out in my mind as one I really remember enjoying his class. He loved the young students and made learning fun. I wish I would have known him as an adult. He sounds like he was a wonderful man.
Paula Phelps Turner
Jackie & Denise Phillips
March 19, 2012
Kathryn,
We are so sorry for your loss. My mom has such fond memories of you both. You are in our prayers and thoughts.
J Smith
March 19, 2012
As a student growing up and graduating from New Hanover Schools, I remember Mr. Crutchfield as an advocate for students. He as a good man. Condolences to the family.
Cheryl Seabrook
March 19, 2012
May God bring Peace, Acceptance and Salvation to all who were blessed to have Mr. Crutchfield cross their paths.
March 19, 2012
Joe & I were classmates at UNC-W, class of '67.
ADRON HALL [VANCOUVER, WA]
Jackie Genes
March 18, 2012
I worked with the New Hanover County Board of Education for many years. I was sorry to hear about the loss of Joe.
My Deepest Sympathy to the whole Family.
Debbie Langston McMullen
March 18, 2012
Mr Crutchfield was my Asst Principal at NHHS in 1975 always smiling and spoke to everyone. Had good communitcation with the student body. He will be missed by those who knew him . Thanks for being a part of my highschool years .
Gary Green
March 18, 2012
I was a student of Mr. Crutchfield many years ago.i am sorry for your loss.
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