Douglas Gerald Crumley

Douglas Gerald Crumley of Gainesville, known to his friends and loved ones as Crum, passed peacefully from this earth into the gentle arms of Jesus on October 31, 2025. He was 81 years old.

Born to Ralph and Ruth Dyer Crumley on January 28, 1944, in Gainesville, Georgia, he was a lifelong resident of Hall County. A 1963 graduate of North Hall High School, he joined the United States Navy and served as a medic in Vietnam. Lives were saved because of his courageous service. Following his time in the military, he returned home to Gainesville and worked in insurance sales, and, as a retiree, served as a security officer at Riverside Military Academy.

He was always happiest outdoors, enjoying the beauty of God’s creation. In his retirement years, he knew how to grow every vegetable, and he always had plenty of homegrown squash, zucchini, corn, and tomatoes in his garden that he would share with friends and family. Everything tasted better when it grew in Papa Crum’s garden. He would do battle every year with the deer until he gave up and just started feeding them too, and it was never a surprise to see a full herd in his yard at dusk, waiting on their supper. He made delicious homemade cornbread and would often bring that on visits with friends to leave behind.

            He loved riding through nearby mountain towns on pretty days with his wife of 17 years, Joyce. He attended goat shows, band competitions, and graduations supporting his grandchildren, and he was proud of all of them. And he loved his grumpy cat, Samson, who was a constant companion. A man of few words, his kind actions spoke loudly to those who loved him.

Crum is survived by his wife Joyce (Johnson), and his children Renee Williams, Wesley (Karen) Crumley, and stepdaughter Brooke (Preston) Burt, all of whom helped care for him and loved him through his final days. His grandchildren were the joys of his life: Anna (Aaron) Crump, Colton Williams, Ryan and Brandon Crumley, and Ella and Audrey Burt. He is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife of 28 years Phyllis Adamson Crumley, and his two sisters, Barbara Dunagan and Carolyn Lewallen.

Family will receive friends for the visitation at Memorial Park Riverside Chapel on Sunday, November 2, from 5 - 7 PM. Funeral services will take place on Monday, November 3, at 2 PM at Memorial Park Riverside Chapel, with burial at Enon Baptist Church in Alto, GA.

Memorial Park Riverside Chapel, 989 Riverside Drive, Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-297-6200. For online condolences www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com  

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