Don Crews

Donald Ray Crews, 87, widower of Janice Hope Bridges Crews, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, after a short but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Don was born in McAlester, Oklahoma, on April 24, 1938, to Samuel Lee Crews and Thelma Adams Crews. He was the oldest of seven children and grew up farming peanuts, cotton, and corn with his family, learning the core values that he carried throughout his life.

Don graduated from Haywood High School and joined the United States Air Force, which brought him to Donaldson Air Force Base in Greenville, South Carolina. He met Janice, whom he affectionately called "Jan", through a double date on Thanksgiving in 1962, and they later married on July 3, 1963. Together, Don and Jan lived in various locations where Don was stationed, including St. Louis, Syracuse, Germany, and Washington, D.C., where he worked at the Pentagon. They raised two daughters, Michelle and Melinda, whom Don loved dearly.

Don valued continual growth and learning, earning his BSBA from Syracuse University and later obtaining his MBA from Central Michigan University. After twenty years of service in the Air Force, retiring with the rank of Major, Don moved his family to Easley, South Carolina, to be closer to Jan's family. Although retired from the military, he displayed a strong work ethic and determination, successfully taking leadership roles in manufacturing, entrepreneurial adventures, serving as adjunct professor at two colleges and one university, and sat on several advisory and governing boards.

Don gave his life to Christ on September 9, 1978 and never missed an opportunity to share Jesus' love with others. He was a devoted member of Georges Creek Baptist Church and faithfully served his church family in many roles as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, and by driving routes to pick up children and elderly members for church. Don was a man who believed in simple, yet profound prayer which he devoutly lifted up for his family, friends, and all in need. He continued to witness to everyone, including his caregivers and doctors during his illness. Don was a living reflection of God's unconditional love.

Don's greatest joy was being "Papa" to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He had the best "Papa jokes" and was an eloquent storyteller, drawing everyone in, even those who had heard the tale many times before. He enjoyed singing to his family, especially "Alfalfa Hay," and loved giving nicknames and terms of endearment. Papa proudly bragged about his grandchildren and great-grandchildren to anyone who would listen. He poured into each child in unique ways, always making them feel like the most special, teaching us all that this was the "right thing to do."

Don loved his family immensely and considered his life with Jan for over 60 years his greatest love story. It was his honor to lovingly serve as Jan's caregiver throughout her Alzheimer's journey until she passed in 2023.

Don is survived by his two daughters, Michelle Crews Amrien (James) of Simpsonville, and Melinda Crews Kirkley of Easley; five grandchildren, Morgan Warner (Jacob), Kendall Lark, Andrew Arthur (Jes), Emma Amrien, and Jessie Dickson; twelve great-grandchildren, Chris Day, Braiden Warner, Cole Warner, Allison Day, Zionon Warner, Ella Pike, Silas Lark, Everly Lark, Keira Arthur, Kaylynn Emmons, Kassidy Emmons, and Abby Arthur; three brothers, Ernie, Ronald, and Mike Crews; and one sister, Marie Crews. In addition to his wife and parents, Don was preceded in death by his brother, Jerry Crews, and his sister, Phyllis Crews.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, beginning at 10:00 a.m., with a memorial service immediately following at 11:00 a.m., at Georges Creek Baptist Church in Easley, SC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Georges Creek Baptist Church, 1991 Saluda Dam Road, in Don's honor.