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David Crighton Obituary
David Sherman Crighton, Jr., 70 of Middleton, passed away Thursday morning, April 7, 2011 at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital.
The husband of Anne Wallace Crighton, who survives, he was a pilot at FedEx for 27 years. Mr. Crighton was born September 30, 1940 in Clarksdale, MS to the late David Sherman Crighton, Sr. and Evelyn Bailey Crighton, and lived many years in Memphis. He received his BA degree from Mississippi State. He served his country as a marine helicopter pilot captain during Vietnam, was highly decorated and a Distinguished Flying Cross recipient.
Memorial services are 2 p.m. Saturday, April 16, 2011 at Shackelford Funeral Directors of Middleton.
In addition to his wife, whom he married April 19, 2000, he is survived by 2 daughters, Marye M. "Meg" Crighton-Schultz and spouse, Kristian Schultz of Springfield, MO, and Kathryn D. "Kit" Crighton-Smith of Memphis; a son, David Sherman Crighton III and spouse, Rebecca Anderson of Richmond, VA; a sister, Patsy L. Starke and spouse, John M. Starke of Chattanooga; and 3 grandchildren, Marye Madeline "Maddie" Smith, Benjamin David "Ben" Brown and George Anderson "Joe" Crighton.
Memorials may be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516 or the donor's choice of charities.
Shackelford Funeral Directors of Middleton, (731) 658-5277.
Memories and Condolences
for David Crighton
Leo Murphree, Jr.
April 3, 2019
It is coincidental that I received this message today. It was just a couple of days ago that I was thinking of David, and wishing that I could have had more time visiting with him before he passed away. I first met David when we were both in the 4-H club and competed in the livestock program at the district livestock shows when we were in high school. David from Cohoama County and I from Leflore County. It is coincidental that both he and I were at Mississippi State University together in the Ag school and we became fast friends. David was a character, to say the least. A great person and a lot of fun was had by us all. After David left MSU and entered the US Marine Corps, I re-connected with him when he was a pilot for Fed EX and I was an electrical contractor doing work at the Memphis Int'nl Airport. We maintained that contact until the end. I miss David's sly grin and just talking with him. Rest in peace my Dear Friend and know that we all miss you and think of you often.
Leo Murphree, Jr.
December 8, 2011
I, too was shocked at the learning of David's death. As teenagers, David & I competed in 4-H Club livestock events at the ditrict show in Greenwood, MS in the late 1950's & later he & I were in the Ag school together at Ms State. We were true friends, however, we did not get to spend much time together after he left college for the Marines. I will never forget David's mischevious smile and his love for fun and pranks. I attended his first wedding and we pulled a couple of pranks on him at that time, all in good fun, of course. I could ramble on and on about some of our adventures, but those of you who knew him know that we all will miss him much. Onward to that big heliport in the sky, David, my friend.
Jack Miller
May 4, 2011
I was, like everyone else, saddened to hear of Dave's passing. For those of us that went through the Falcon years of the mid 70's, getting to know the other pilots, because of our small group, we bonded more closely. Dave's enthusiasm for flying and life were ever-present. Ann, remember all the good times and that Dave rests in peace now. We will miss, but not forget him.
David Slatinsky
April 14, 2011
I am saddened by Dave's passing but happy knowing that he no longer is in pain and suffering and has gone to his just reward. Dave and I became true friends early on at Fedex and flew many trips together in the Falcon. We always had great fun together and those times I shall never forget. Dave was a fine pilot from whom I learned alot. Dave never had anything bad to say about anyone and I considered him a true friend. I feel blessed for having had Dave as a friend in my life and I shall miss him. May you rest in peace,my friend, in the house of our risen Lord.
Dave "slats" Slatinsky
G W MURPHY
April 14, 2011
I'm so sorry to have recieved the news of Dave's "Flight West".On april 21st,1975,We flew N28FE MEM-LGA-CVG-MEM & from that time on ,I always considered Dave my good friend....he never failed to speak in the crew room or just chat for a while.Always a great,stand up guy.As we were flying at.80mach you're now riding the jetstream at the speed of light.God has now recieved you into His loving arms and you'll be missed here.May God bless Ann & all the family.
G W Murphy,Jr.& Miyako & Manami
April 14, 2011
I certainly was glad I made it in time to see David on his last days. We go back a long long time...Marine Corps in the "70s; then together for training with FedEx at Little Rock. I am deeply sadden at his passing. He was to young! We both lived near each other in the early days of FedEx and certainly had fun with the BBQ team,the Porky Pilots, during the middle years . I will miss my friend...Semper Fi David....
Don and Mary Ann Grant
April 13, 2011
Dave was my brother-in-law but was my brother in every sense of the word. I loved him for who he was but more importantly how he loved my sister! Her memories of their life together will be forever in her heart and she will greatly miss him! He so loved his children, grandchildren, sister, brother-in-law and countless friends. His honor and integrity are clearly evident in the wonderful children that will cherish his memory and as Meg said that half grin. Our family has lost someone we loved very deeply and it will be difficult moving forward but his spirit will always be with us and keep us playing Mexican Dominos (which by the way he almost never won!).
Sister, David, Kit, Meg, Pat and John, and all friends, my heart hurts and has a hole in it and time won't change that but that time will help me figure out how to deal with the loss and I pray the same for you. Love you guys!
Susan Wallace-Ward and Jim Ward
Meg Crighton-Schultz
April 13, 2011
What an unexpected gift of shared memories! As one of his daughters, I am grateful for a glimpse into his professional life and the aviator culture of which he had a HUGE family! "Pop", as he is known to his grandchildren, was reserved when it came to talking about his military and professional career. Since we didn't get to share his day-to-day pilot life, all of your memories just affirm what we have always known....that Dad was a GOOD man and he loved flying!
Thank you for sharing!
P.S. (You knew he liked you when he would look at you, purse his lips with a half grin, and shake his head back-n- forth:))
April 12, 2011
Barbara and I were surprised to hear that David was in Hospice care and very sorry to learn of his passing. It is with deep regret that we will be unable to join with you in celebrating David’s life. He will very much be missed although we are relieved that his suffering is over. I met Dave about 35 years ago and have considered him a sometime close and always dear friend. During the past years we enjoyed many times together. We fondly remember Memphis in May Concert Rehearsal dinners. Dave lived a full life with tumultuous moments interspersed. He would go out of his way to help others. His love of his children was obvious. I was fortunate to be his First Officer on one of his first trips as a Falcon Captain and as a member of his crew on his last trip for Federal Express. I am blessed for having known him as a friend and fellow pilot. Fair Winds and Following Seas dear friend. God Bless
George & Barbara Leever
April 11, 2011
Anne, I was saddened to hear about Dave's passing. I enjoyed seeing both of you at the deer camp and it really meant a lot to me and my father that both of you were able to be at my Mom's service when she passed away last October. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and the rest of the family. God bless!
Shaun Micheel, Collierville
Isam Abu-khraybeh
April 11, 2011
Kit, I am very sorry for the loss of your Father; I ask God to comfort you and your family during this difficult time of our life. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Robert Norrell
April 11, 2011
I flew with Dave in the early days and enjoyed his company immensely. He was a true professional and will be missed.
Lynda Baker
April 11, 2011
Kit, I am deeply sorry for your father's passing. I will pray for you and your family,with deep respect,
Bill Wilson
April 11, 2011
My deepest sympathies to the family. May God sustain you through these days. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
William Savage
April 11, 2011
It is with great sadness that I learned of Dave's passing this morning. I have many memories of fine times with Dave on layovers, and his mentorship in the B-727, which made me a better aviator. We all should aspire to be the man of character, charisma, and professionalism that was our friend Dave.
Kent Thompson
April 11, 2011
Flew many trips with Dave and always learned something good from him! Terrific guy and aviator. God Bless!
Kevin Gallagher
April 11, 2011
So long, DC, you'll be greatly missed. Our prayers are with Anne and the Crighton families at this difficult time. Dave was a true aviation professional in every aspect. We started FedEx together in Little Rock decades ago and remained close until his retirement. God bless, my firend.
Bruce Casper
April 11, 2011
All of us at the Tennessee deer camp will miss Dave, his friendship and help. Some of us were fortunate to visit with him just a week earlier. Our thoughts and prayers are with Anne and family.
Bob Seidman
April 10, 2011
My trips with Dave in the Falcon and the 727 were always a learning experience and fun filled. David was a true professional and we all are better off by knowing him. My thoughts are with his family.
Chris Ulsaker
April 10, 2011
Dave was a man of great character and ability with a well developed sense of humor. He will be missed by many. My best wishes go out to his family.
Cathy
April 10, 2011
Dave you will be missed. Anne and the rest of Dave's family You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Gregory Chappars
April 10, 2011
Flew with Dave in the 727 decades ago. Great guy, solid aviator and one of the guys who brought us to where we are today. Rest well, Dave
Jim Knight
April 10, 2011
I’m so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. I especially remember that Dave and I flew the last trip that Tom Baxter, Fedex’s #1 pilot, flew as a Flight Engineer before he retired. What a trip! Almost 60,000 hours of experience on that DC-10. Tom told stories the whole way from Memphis through, Hawaii, Fiji, Australia, Subic Bay and back home - and Dave an I played a round of golf at a course in Fiji. Dave was one of the good guys, and it’s sad to hear that he’s gone.
Jack Miller
April 10, 2011
Dave loved flying and tried to instill that feeling to those with which he flew. He seemed like he wanted everyone to have his Passion. We will miss him as one of the many unique and talented individuals that made FedEx great. Prayers to your family during this difficult time.
Bill Shirley
April 10, 2011
Dave was one of the "good" guys. Learned a lot from him, on the ground and in the air. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Drew Johnson
April 10, 2011
Dave was one of the first captains I flew with in '76 and he taught me how to keep the 'purple side' up in the Falcon. As a 'Yankee' (and he never let me forget it), he epitomized to me the character of a true Southern Gentleman I learned to respect. Always cool, on an even keel and a great sense of humor, even under the pressure of "Absolutely, Positively..." Fair winds and following seas, my comrade and the Grace of God watch over your family.
Sid Hare
April 10, 2011
Dave was a great captain and taught me a lot when I was a flight engineer for him in the early 80's. He had a great sense of humor and the world was a brighter place when he was with us. My thoughts and prayers are with Dave's family.
Dave Patterson
April 10, 2011
Farewell friend David, great times as your First Officer. You will be missed. Our prayers are with you, family and friends.
April 9, 2011
Ann, so sorry about David. Please know my thought and prayers are with you and your family today. May God bless you all.
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