Shawn was the middle son of three boys who grew up playing sports and working on the farm. At Cold Springs High School, Shawn played every sport that had a team. After graduating in 1984, Shawn continued his athletic journey playing baseball and basketball at Brewer State before returning home to help with the family business. Shawn would go on to be inducted to the Cullman County Sports Hall of Fame in 2009.
Shawn was a man of community. He along with his dad and brothers help grow a humble poultry farm into a company that employs more than 125 people to this day. Shawn led HH Technologies, formerly Hired Hand, over a period of 20 years of extraordinary growth. During his tenure, the company grew from one location with approximately 50 employees to a company with 400 employees and four manufacturing locations around the world. His leadership was vital to the company’s success. In addition, Shawn played an integral role in the development of Cullman by serving on the Cullman Industrial Development Board. He also served on the US Poultry and Egg Board along with several other local company’s boards over the last 20 plus years.
Shawn had countless passions. He enjoyed architecture and had a knack for bringing ideas to life. In addition to unique designs, he created spaces for friendship and fellowship. He always wanted to surround himself with his friends and family at home or in Destin, FL, his second home. He loved to travel to see new places and meet new people. One of his biggest strengths was also a passion of his, helping others.
Shawn was a man of great warmth and compassion. Shawn would always meet you with a friendly face, smile, and more than likely a hug. He truly never met a stranger. He was an encourager and always a light in the dark. He loved so many people in his life. His optimism was infectious. His personality was giant. He will be missed dearly.
A loving husband, father, and friend to all, he is survived by his wife, Mandy Crider; father, Grant Crider; mother, Linda Crider (Rick McDonald); children, Austin Crider (Willie), Garrett Crider, Sydney Crider, Keaton Kinney; brothers, Tony Crider (Wendy), Brett Crider (Stephanie), along with a host of family including aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, January 7, 2023, at 2:00 P.M. at Daystar Church in Good Hope, AL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the scholarship that has been set up in Shawn’s name. Donations to the Shawn Crider Memorial Scholarship can be made using the link below: http://www.wsccfuturefoundation.org/crider
