Joseph Spottswood Crowell

joseph crowell
Joseph (Joe) Spottswood Crowell, age 76, died Saturday, September 26, 2015 in Nashville, TN. He was born April 25, 1939 in Asheville, NC, and lived for most of his working life in Oak Ridge, TN. He retired from work as a U.S. Department of Energy contractor employee, and was an avid outdoorsman, wine enthusiast, gourmet cook, and beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and step-father. He was the son of Russell Alexander (Alex) Crowell and Sarah (Sally) Richards Crowell, Enka, NC. His parents and older brother Richards (Dick) Crowell preceded him in death. He was married to Joyce Allsmiller Blair Crowell of Nashville, TN. He is survived by daughters, Cathy Crowell Devlin (Mark) of Richmond, VA, and Joan Crowell Marshall of Oak Ridge, TN; granddaughters, Candace Crowell Hannan (Kevin) of John's Creek, GA, and Laura Ann Devlin of Blacksburg, VA; grandsons, Joseph William Marshall (Leslie) of Banner Elk, NC, and Ryan Thomas Devlin of Arlington, VA; a great-granddaughter Madelyn Elizabeth Hannan; a sister Joan Crowell Gould (Dr. Kenneth) of Houston, TX; in addition to numerous beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. He was a special step-father to Sherry Blair (Patricia Craighead) of Smyrna, TN and is also survived by the mother of his daughters, Mayme Roberson Crowell, of Oak Ridge, TN. Joe treasured close friendships with Brady Holcomb and Jim Stout. Mr. Crowell was a N.C. State University graduate with a B.S. in Nuclear Engineering and an M.S. in Applied Mathematics. He also attended and taught at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN. He was currently a member of Vine Street Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Nashville. He grew up in Acton United Methodist Church in Enka, NC. He was a Knight of the Ducal Order of the Cross of Burgundy and a lifetime member of the Oak Ridge Sportsman's Association and the Association of Computing Machinery. He was family-minded and enjoyed visits and special events with his immediate and extended family as well as with friends. He organized several Crowell Reunions and often attended Johnson Reunions. Visitation with the family will be held at Vine Street Church on Tuesday, September 29th from 3 until 7 p.m. His life will be celebrated at a funeral at Acton United Methodist Church, Enka, NC, on Thursday, October 1st at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Dr. Linda Parker officiating. His burial will be immediately following the funeral in the Acton Church cemetery. The family will receive friends after the graveside service at the church. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Acton United Methodist Church, Enka, NC, Vine Street Christian Church, Nashville, TN, or the church or synagogue of your choice. Groce Funeral Home, Asheville, is in charge of arrangements.

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  1. Joe and I were coworkers in Oak Ridge. We shared an interest in guns and hunting. I lost track of him after retirement. Sorry to learn of his passing; condolences to his family.

  2. While I only had occasion to meet Joe Crowell once, I have known his daughter Joan as a co-worker and dear friend for many years. I can certainly attest to his parenting skills as he and Mayme raised a beautiful, intelligent and caring daughter who loved her father dearly. My prayer is that the entire Crowell family finds comfort in fond memories and in knowing that others are holding you close in their hearts and prayers during this difficult time.

  3. Joyce, Charles and I are so sorry to hear about Joe! We still remember (and enjoyed) the tour you and he took us on to see his boyhood home in NC! It was also a nice time of visiting with you two!

  4. I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear loved one. I hope you can find some comfort from what the Bible promises in the future found at Acts 24:15 and John 5:28,29.

  5. So sad to hear of Uncle Joe’s passing. He meant a lot to our family. Always a kind word and a place to stay when we were in that area. And to know our son was named after him and grew up as striking a red head as Joe was in his boyhood was a beautiful connection. We will all miss him. Blessings and prayers to family. May his memory always be for a blessing.

  6. Mark and I are sending our deepest sympathy on Uncle Joe’s passing.
    Anne wants all of you to know he was always so nice to her. We are going to attend the funeral.

  7. Our thoughts and prayers are with Joyce at this time. Have known both Joe and Joyce at Vine Street Christian Church since we moved to Nashville. Both wonderful people.

  8. Joyce,
    I am so sorry to learn of the passing of your husband, Joe. I know that the love of friends and the comfort of God’s presence in your life will be helpful right now. But as you know all too well, grief takes time. Be patient with yourself.
    Love,
    Diana Weaver .

  9. Linda and I count it an honor to have known Joe as a friend. We cherish the night out for dinner last summer — the vibrancy of our laughter, spinning of tales and lifting a toast to life. God’s joy be in our memories, God’s love be in our friendships, and God’s peace be in our tomorrows

  10. Dear Joyce and family,
    Joe will remain in my heart in so many ways. The joy you alul shared is the most wonderful gift. How many times has laugh simply bubbled up in a group and he was central to the humor? I am sending prayers and continued loved.

  11. My Uncle Joe was loving, compassionate, curious, and supportive of me always. I have many memories, many stories, and will miss his unique presence on this earth. His encyclopedic memory and storytelling genius awed me. He was so gentle. Joyce, you made him so happy. Bless you.


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