Jerry Crump

God’s dedicated servant, Jerry Crump, passed away on January 24th after a long battle with dementia.  Jerry was surrounded by his loving wife and children who were blessed to serve him at home throughout his illness with the wonderful support of Amorem (Hospice), when he went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Jerry, born to the late Houston and Barbara Crump of Hudson, NC on July 11, 1937, left a wonderful legacy of serving others.  No matter who you were, if you had something broke, Jerry would fix it.  Jerry, graduated from Hudson High School in 1958.  Shortly after, he joined the National Guard and went to work as a dispatcher for Caldwell County Sheriff's Department.  At the same time, he also began a long career at Bernhardt Furniture where he started in the carving department, moved into Human Resources, and eventually retired from Bernhardt in 2000. In addition to serving 3 years in the National Guard, he gave his service to many other organizations and ministries.

His heart for his community didn't only show through his words, but his actions. Jerry was a dedicated member of the Hudson Optimist for 50 years, serving 2 terms as President, and was awarded Optimist Member of the Year in 1980.  He and his brother Joe coached the Saints football team for over 15 years. In 1980, the Town of Hudson recognized Jerry as “The Man of the Year” as he served as President of the Hudson Community Development Association and was instrumental in the building of Redwood Park. In 2018, the Town showed its appreciation for his faithful dedication and membership of the Hudson Planning and Board of Adjustments since his appointment in 1997, saying, “Thank you Jerry for your active, personal involvement with the Town, both in official and unofficial capacities which has continued to have a profoundly positive influence on the lives of many in the Town and Community.”

His love for the Lord showed through his dedication to sharing the gospel through his ministry as a Gideon, a part of the NC Baptist Men where he went on multiple trips to work at Fort Caswell and served overseas on short-term missions in Africa. He served his local community and church family by serving as chair of the Deacon Board for many years, a Sunday school teacher, and a member of the Hudson First Baptist Building Committee. Although, he was best known as the handyman that could fix anything!

Most of all, Jerry loved his friends and family. We will cherish the time we spent with him forever; especially those of the lake and the car tours. Jerry helped start the Lenoir Ski Club in 1959 and was president for most of its existence. This brought many families and friends together each weekend to enjoy the lake and each other; a tradition that continues today! His love for tinkering and fixing things was brought to life as a Ford Model T Enthusiast serving as president of NC Regional Group of Horseless Carriage Club of America in 1996 and 1997 and president of the Piedmont Touring Group. Sharing his love with his son and grandson by building 100-year-old cars side by side in the garage.

Jerry not only joins his parents Houston and Barbara in Heaven but also his 3 brothers, John, Joe, and Wesley.  Jerry is survived by his wife Linda Crump, daughter, Nancy Crump; son, Lynn Crump and wife Angie; 3 beloved grandchildren, Justin Crump (Akeshia), Brittany Dobbins (Jeff) and Bethany Scott (Marc); 3 great-grandchildren, Emma, MaeLynn, and Oaklyn; and 4 God-Grandchildren, Kristen, Chasity, Caleb and Chase; sisters, Carol Fletcher and Dean Hall Calloway.

Now that Jerry has passed into the arms of our Lord, we should remind ourselves of his legacy of serving others just as God commanded us.  We are so confident that when Jerry arrived in Heaven, Jesus will repeat Matthew 25:21 - “Well done by good and faithful servant”.

A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held at Hudson First on Friday, January 27, 2023 at 1:00 PM with Dr. Wade Dellinger and Pastor Mack Jarvis officiating.  Burial will immediately follow the service at Sardis Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 11:30 until 1:00 prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Amorem, 902 Kirkwood Street, Lenoir, NC 28645 or The Toy Store Ministry of Hudson First Baptist Church, 345 Main Street, Hudson, NC 28638.