Carris "Tommy" Crumpler

Carris “Tommy” Crumpler, 94, of Wilson, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2025. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Joyner’s Funeral Home, Wilson. Graveside service will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park, Wilson. Rev. LaVon Phillips and Senior Adult Ministries Pastor Woody Chun will officiate.

The family will receive friends, prior to the funeral Saturday morning, July 26, 2025, from 10-10:45 a.m. at Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway, Wilson.

Born on July 8, 1931, Tommy (or Crump to many), was known for his kindness, sense of humor, and generous heart. A U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War and a Purple Heart recipient, he served his country with honor before returning home to build a life rooted in family, friendship, and hard work. Tommy spent decades hauling freight for many trucking companies, finally hanging up his keys with Estes Express Lines. He had a cowboy’s soul: steady and loyal. He found joy in riding horses, tending to his garden, and watching westerns. He was a devoted husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, and friend; his greatest treasure was loving on his three great-grandchildren.

Tommy is survived by his son, Carris Wayne Crumpler and wife, Mary Jo of Wilson; daughter, Cynthia Diane Morris and partner, James Hicks of Wilson; three granddaughters, Crystal Whitley Lester and husband, Rob of Chapel Hill, Emmie Lou Morris of Bailey, and Amber Nichole Morris of Wilson; three great-grandchildren, Brayden Hardy Lester and Makayla Gray Lester of Chapel Hill, and William Earl Godwin of Wilson; brother and sisters-in-law, Samuel and Peggy Barnes of Wilson, Eleanor Ruth Barnes of Wilson, Christine Barnes of Wilson, and Francis Brantley of Bailey; many beloved nieces and nephews, and his special caregiver and friend, Amie Finch.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard C. and Ophelia Winbourne Crumpler; his loving wife of seventy-two years, Mary Gray Crumpler; brothers William Crumpler, Charles Crumpler, Edward Crumpler, Billie Crumpler, and sisters Dorothy Rhodes, Annie Mae Driver, Ida Lee Ferguson, and Eunice Ferguson.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations in Tommy’s memory to Farmington Heights Church, Senior Adult Ministry, 910 Raleigh Rd Pkwy W, Wilson, Noth Carolina 27896.

Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.