Eternal rest grant unto Damian, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May the soul of the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

RIP Damian.   Love ya always in our hearts 💕

Dear Keith and family, 
First, I just want to thank you for your son's selfless acts of service to this country. What a brave man and from what I've read a very caring man. 
Family, I want to send you all the love and my sincere condolences for your loss. This is truly a parent's worst nightmare. Keith I know you well enough to know you and your family are heartbroken so I pray for all of you to find a peace, through all of this, that surpasses all understanding. May God be with you and wrap his loving arms around all of you, 
Much love and hugs,  
Vickie Burn Ray

An American Warfighter who served OUR nation proudly. I met him March 2019 at UFC Houston Texas. He signed up at Warfightersrnr.org reaching out to our heroes making sure if we ever needed an active ear to listen, he made time. Rest easy, Psalms 23 #Valhalla See you at the rally point. 

My deepest condolences to the family and friends. Rest well battle 

I remember in high school when we found out we we were cousins. We both had a big smile on our faces when came to one another. We had known each other a few years and it was crazy. You have always been an amazing guy and I truly thank you for your service to this country. We didn’t talk much but we reconnected on FB about 15 yrs ago. I truly appreciate your friendship all these years fam. Class of 1991 forever! Rest well Cousin!!

Words cannot express how sorry I am that as a parent the script has been flipped. It is always our secret prayer that our children say farewell to us. However I want to assure you that the God of all comfort will show Himself mighty in this season !!!

Blessings,

 Bishop Larry Grinstead

I am so sorry and send my condolences. Damian was my friend from High School. He was the peace maker of the group. I remember him as a friend I could always get advice or laugh. He had the brightest smile, when we would all go out to Nashville or hang out in Clarksville, he always made sure everyone was safe. He had the biggest heart. I will cherish his friendship.  

This absolutely breaks my heart. I can still remember showing up to B co. 2/504 PIR in early 2001. Damien was the Specialist that picked me up. He immediately became a mentor to me explaining how things worked within the company. I remember the last time I had seen Damien, he was starting his retirement process. I had just finished retiring (Medically) and he was the same happy-go-lucky man that I remember. 

To the family, I am sorry for your loss. I will forever miss my Brother. Airborne All the Way! 

Jeff Carroll 
3rd Plt. B co 2/504 PIR

Rest in Peace Brother. Was proud to serve with you in the Devil Brigade of the 82nd Airborne Division. Strike Hold, and see you on the drop zone brother! Airborne All The Way!



Just want to reach out and let you know that you and your family have my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. Praying for strength.

Sending love and strength to Damian’s family, may you all find peace in the fact that he lived life to the fullest by sharing wisdom, joy, and kindness with others everyday. 

Extending my families deepest sympathy to the Cromartie family.    What a blessing to have had such a fine son.   I know you have fond memories of  this outstanding son.

Condolence on your loss.  We will pray for you and your entire family during this difficult season.

I had the privilege to know and work with Damian only for a brief time in Las Vegas, a true professional, kind human, a gentle giant, RIP my Brother 🇺🇸

He nursed this cat from a dying kitten to a healthy adult, because that's who he was. 

This is one of his many adopted puppies when we deployed together. 

Your smile  kept us going through Iraq  and every  staff meeting.  It was a real honor to have known you “Dr. Fresh”!  Your insight helped me deal with the Army and shaped me as a leader - I can’t believe it’s been 10 years since we saw each other last.  Until Valhalla brother! 



Damien was part of my daughter, Beth’s , friends all through high school.  They stayed in touch off and on through the years. Gary and I were very proud of his service to our country.  He succeeded in so many parts of his life……..gaining a beautiful family was a blessing. Folks always mention his smile……you just had to smile back! You are pain free now and have left us with special memories.

I haven't seen Damien since I left Ft. Bragg in 2013.  My fondest memories of Damien are his smile.  His smile would light up the whole room.  I don't ever remember that man being negative.  He was always making people laugh and cheering people up.  Rest easy brother, we'll take it from here.  

Love you Damian,  you were the best and will remain so in my heart.

MY CONDOLENCES AND PRAYERS TOO THE FAMILY GOD WILL GET YOU THROUGH YOUR LOSS.🙏💜

My heartfelt condolences for your loss! Cro and I worked together as Jumpmasters and S-3 Airs while we were together with the White Devils at Bragg or deployments. He was always good for a joke, a smile and cheered you up, when you were down. 
Miss ya brother! Until Valhalla!

So sorry for the loss of your son. Praying for strength and blessings for your family. 

I remember your kindness and optimism. Of the B Co. 2-504 sergeants from 02-04, you positivity and care for others really stood out. I pray that God rests your soul and grants you peace in heaven that you could not find here on Earth. I pray that God comforts the hearts of your wife, daughter, family, and friends. I pray they find comfort knowing they’ll see your smile again when you’re reunited in heaven. Rest in peace, my friend. 

The little time we served together and the time that followed is all I needed to know you were something special. The only solace I can hold onto is the old adage "paratroopers never die, they just skip away." Slip away Cro. See you on the otherwise big bro.

R.I.P. Brother!
I served with this Paratrooper for nearly half of my career in 2/504 PIR.  I haven't heard his name in quite some time, but when I read his name out loud today my heart broke. A very solid individual and a great friend to have.  Love you Brother!

AATW!

I did not serve with Cro but I wanted to share my condolences and prayers with his family. 
Airborne All The Way!
Slip away!

HHC 1/504th Strike Hold 

Doug W

Rest in Peace my Brother. Was proud to serve with you in the Devil Brigade of the 82nd Airborne Division. Strike Hold, and see you in that great assembly area in the sky. Airborne All The Way!

Words are not enough to share with the impact Cro had on all of us. He was always a steady, positive person who taught me so much.  Until we cross the rainbow bridge my friend.

-John Miler

If there was one thing you could count on from Cro, it was that smile. Sometimes it was a flash of that big grin, followed with something you didn’t want to hear, but more times than not it was just a smile and personality that would light up any room. I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing. I was even more saddened to find out that his outward brightness couldn’t ward off the darkness any more. The world truly lost a bright light and our nation lost a truly selfless warrior. Til’ Valhalla, brother.  I hope you have finally found peace and may your family find some peace as well. God bless you. 

Damien was not only my cousin but also a friend to many, a source of inspiration, and joy. He lived his life with grace and kindness that touched everyone around him. His spirit and memory will live on, not just in my heart, but in the hearts of everyone who had the pleasure to know him.

 May the fond memories of Damien bring comfort, and may his soul rest in peace. Sending you strength, courage, and all the love your heart can hold in these challenging times. My deepest condolences to all Damian's Family and Friends. 

Damian Cromartie Heather Silvis
Damian, thank you making my dear friend and her kids unbelievably happy. You were a wonderful partner to Heather and the best bonus dad her kids could’ve asked for! 
Paul and I always had fun hanging out with you. You & I shared experiences growing up in the South and our love for the Georgia Bulldawgs! ❤️🖤 I have a UGA hat I was going to give you when football season started. I will give it to Heather.  You and Paul shared your love for trying new whiskeys. 🥃
My kids had fun teach￼ing you American Sign Language signs for the different military divisions, and making up some of your own signs. Sam admired you for being so extroverted and being able to talk to anybody. Will admired you for being accepting of everyone and learning new languages, including ASL. ￼🤟🏼
My heart is broken in pieces seeing Heather and the kids grieve. I want to take her pain away, but I can’t. We will always see you in Lola’s laughter, Stella’s artwork and photography, Owen’s heart to serve and Heather’s amazing memories of you. Ruth, Ellen, Dawn, April ￼and I will take care of her, I promise. You touched our lives and obviously so many others. 
You had an infectious laugh and a beautiful smile. You fought hard for our country,  were a loyal comrade and brother to many. The three words that keep coming to my mind to describe what your heart & soul was made to do: SERVE, PROTECT, GIVE. 
A huge light went out on this earth when you left us. You are no longer in any pain and you are truly at peace. I do take some comfort in that. You will live on in our hearts and especially the hearts of Heather, Lola, Stella & Owen. Godspeed my friend.

Damian and I were inseparable in college and I love him to this day and always will.  
I'm grateful for the things he taught me about finding joy in life and thinking about things from other points of view, and for all the kindness and support he passed around so freely to just about everybody he came across.  
I wish peace and healing for all of Damian's family and loved ones and for all all of us to be able to hold tight to loving memories of this wonderful human being.  

I met cro in 2004 when i moved over to Headquarters 2/504the one thing that stood out about him was no matter the situation, he had a positive attitude and he told me if your told to sweep the floor then sweep the floor the best you can and be proud. No matter what task your given always do it to the best of your ability and don't take shortcuts. He made everybody around him a better version of themselves, his smile would brighten the whole room. Cro did amazing things, in his life. To his parents, you raised an incredible person, who became a top notch soldier and leader, who was impactful to everyone around him, my condolences go out to you. Cro you where taken from this world to soon, but you can rest easy now, we will meet again my brother. STRIKE HOLD! AIRBORNE ALL THE WAY.

I met Damian in September of 1998. We were 30th AG holdovers together, basic training trainees, and Airborne School graduates. We were supposed to go to R.I.P. together but circumstances saw me continue on to Regiment and Damian to the 82nd. Prior to that deviation in our paths, I got to know one of the greatest, upbeat, and positive men I have ever met. Damian motivated me to be a better man. We lost touch for several years, however, through serendipity we linked up again like 23 years hadn't passed between us. Losing Damian has made the world a little less everything, but to his family and loved ones, you have lost one of the greatest.  One of my deepest regrets was losing contact with Damian for all those years, however, I got to see first hand the type of leader he was when I got to serve with one of his soldiers 15 years after D put his stamp on the best 1SG I have ever served with. Thank you for the time I got to spend with you, and the laughter we shared. To his parents my condolences, Heather, there are no words, to his daughter, your dad will always love you, and to D, I'll see you again.

 OUR BELOVED GRAND-SON 
AND NEPHEW:   May God give this family the perfect peace to endure this difficult time.   Damian Thank you for your service.  🙏
THE YANCEY  FAMILY

SSG Cromartie (as I knew him back when) was a larger than life personality and positive impact on those around him.  He was opinionated, because he cared.  He was strong willed, because he believed in the causes he served.  

The world is better because of you

Until Valhalla


- COL Horn

Best paratrooper I have known....he had a job to better all..and God welcome him home he accomplished hid earthly task...meet no finer man as he...always others before self...  I weep for my brother,  but I know the God king rewards his servants..and Damien was among his flock...God protect TRUE patriots like he.....

Damian, you have touched many lives and you are the apple of your Dad's eye. He was very proud of you and shared stories of your life and accomplishments. Thank you for your service. 🇺🇸🙏🏾
My condolences to the Cromartie family and each life you touched. 


My deepest condolences for the family and friends. I had the pleasure of meeting Damian a couple years ago and working a few Protection assignments with him. He was the benchmark and a true professional and loved to mentor. Learned a lot from him the short time I knew him and his example will always be with me. R I H! 

Big Cro was a great Paratrooper and friend, he never had a No for an answer and always went the extra mile in order to help his peers and subordinates…… R.I.P. AATW, Strike Hold!

With heartfelt sympathy for my cousin Keith and the family please know your memories of Damian will last forever 🙏🙏🙏❤ The Andrews Family

Cro was an amazing man and soldier. He will be missed by all of us who’s lives he impacted. Rest in peace my friend 

You were one of the few people who believed in me when I started out in Vegas . You showed me nothing but love from the start . Your spirit and essence will be sorely missed on this side of the veil. 

You are loved . And missed .

CONDOLENCES AND PRAYERS TOO THE FAMILY 🙏

Damian was a sergeant when I showed up to B Co. right before that first deployment. He was a good dude, anyways led from a controlled headspace. Never saw him show any doubt or uncontrolled anger. I hate to be the next one to repeat that I did not see this coming. Much love to you Damian. My condolences to his wonderful family and who I’ve come to know through his post. Strike Hold 

Sending our condolences to the entire family will continue to keep all of you all in our thoughts and prayers. Elise Milam & Children 

I only knew him a small time but I loved the support and great words of wisdom he had for the military. He picked in me that that my son is a Marine and we are lucky to have meet him.  Always had a great smile on his face . 

Tara and Jason Langevin- Faribault , MN 

🙏🙏🙏🙏 My cousins We're so Sooooo sad to hear about Damian may the life that he lived with so much beauty for everyone that he met Will not be forgotten!!!!!! 😎❤   Love you all   The Randall &  Starling Family's

Our hearts break for y’all and all the family. He was obviously an outstanding young man; I’m so sorry. 

Keith I am saddened to hear the loss of your son. I have you in my prayers. You raised a fine young man.

Brother Kieth, our deepest condolences. May our Heavenly strengthen You and Sister Gabriele and the entire family. 

Abba we stand with the Kieth and Gabriele during this time, cover them all and hide them under your wings..be the entire family strong tower and strength before during and after the home going celebration of Damien. Grant the entire funeral staff wisdom as the coordinator the funeral support…in Jesus name I pray 🙏🏾 Amen 


Phil 1:6 AMP I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return].


The Flanders Family

My heart felt Condolences to the family. My Prayers for Peace and Comfort during this time of Sorrow

My his light continue to shine in all the people he has touched along the way.  My condolences to the family during this difficult time.  



Our heartfelt condolences to you and the entire family.  

My deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to you and yours.  I'll be lighting a candle in his honor at church on Sunday.  With you in spirit, Kathie 

We are so sorry for your loss.  We can’t image losing a child at any age but to lose a child at the age of 49 is heartbreaking.  My God continue to protect him in his heavenly journey. 

We at the Powell household are truly saddened for your loss. We did not know Damian but if he was a reflection of his parents, we know that he was a great human being. We send our prayers and condolences and wish you strength through these difficult times. 

Keith and Gaby we are praying for peace and comfort for you and your family. Although we didn't know Damian that well, we will always cherish the time we had with him on our Alaska cruise. We love you all and know that we are here day or night if you ever need to talk, vent, cry etc.  🙏🏽❤️

I am praying for you and your family in this season. May the God of all comfort carry you in this season and days ahead!! Bishop Larry Grinstead

OBITUARY

Damian Darnell Cromartie

5 November, 1973 – 20 July, 2023

Palm South Jones Mortuary

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