Obituary of Garland Randell Crowder

Garland Randell Crowder, Sr., age 85 of Lafayette passed away September 21, 2011 at Sumner Regional Medical Center. Funeral services for Garland Randell Crowder, Sr. were conducted Saturday, at 2 p.m. from the Chapel of Alexander Funeral Home with Reverend Steve Nelson and Reverend Don Jones officiating. Ashely Crowder, Nichole Stoops, Macy Stoops, and Ally Stoops served as Honorary Pallbearers. Derek Crowder, Nichalos Crowder, Neal Dozier, Earl Dozier, Dale Stoops, and Danny Cullum served as Active Pallbearers. Interment followed in the Macon County Memorial Gardens. Garland Randell Crowder, Sr. was born on May 19, 1926 in Macon County, Tennessee to the late William Earl Crowder and Lillian O. Swindle Crowder. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by grandparents, Frank and Lula Swindle, and Vester and Betty Crowder. He married the former Mary Lou Cullum on May 19, 1951, sharing sixty beautiful years together and raising three sons. Garland was a family man, loving every minute shared with his wife, sons, and especially the grandchildren. Garland was an Auxiliary operator for the Tennessee Valley Authority for thirty-two years. He worked out of the plants in Norris, Johnsonville, Kingston, and Gallatin; during this time. Garland retired from T.V.A in the late 80's. Garland's second job was time spent tinkering on his farm and taking care of his cattle. Being the Tennessee fan that he was; Garland received great pleasure in watching the team play football. He has been a member of the Lafayette Masonic Lodge #543 and also the Eastern Star for the past fifty years. Garland was a faithful servant to his Lord and belonged to Lafayette First Baptist Church where he served as Deacon and Sunday School Director for several years. He will be greatly missed by his family and all those who knew and loved him. Garland is survived by; Wife, Mary Lou Crowder of Lafayette, TN, Sons, Randy Crowder of Johnson City, TN, Jimmy Crowder, and Mark (Carolyn) Crowder all of Lafayette, TN, Grandchildren, Nichole (Dale) Stoops of Johnson City, TN, Randall Crowder of Atlanta, GA, Derek Crowder of Lafayette, TN, Nicholas Crowder of Hartsville, Ashley Crowder of Lafayette, TN, Great-grandchildren, Macy and Ally Stoops of Johnson City, TN. Alexander Funeral Home, Directors, in charge of arrangements. (615)666-2189 or www.alexanderfh.com