Rev. Dr. Robert Thomas Crumpton, a resident of Collierville, Tennessee passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at the age of 93. Robert, or "Pop" as he was known, was born in Starkville, Mississippi, in 1930. He was the son of John Rives Crumpton and Jennie Hannah Crumpton. Robert graduated from Starkville High School in 1948 and began his education at Mississippi State University before entering military service in 1951 with the Mississippi National Guard during the Korean conflict. In 1952 he returned to Mississippi State and was able to complete his B.S. degree in Dairy Husbandry in 1954, while later completing his M.S. degree in Dairy Husbandry in 1956. He entered Louisville Presbyterian Seminary in 1955 as a special student where he began preparatory work for his lifelong dream of spreading God's word. During the next three years he worked as a youth leader and as a student pastor while completing his work to earn his B.S. degree from Louisville Theological Seminary in 1958. That same year he accepted a call to be the minister of the Ocean Springs Presbyterian Church and was ordained by the Meridian Presbytery. In 1961 he accepted a call to move to Waynesboro, MS, and become the pastor of the Geneva and Philadelphus Presbyterian Churches, and after three (3) years accepted the call to move to Halls Crossroads, TN and become the pastor of the Crossroads Presbyterian Church. During his tenure at Crossroads Presbyterian he served as Moderator and Stated Clerk of the Knoxville Presbytery. He was also very active in the Halls Community and was chosen Man of the Year, while also being a lifetime member of the PTA. In 1976 he accepted a call to move to Arlington, TN, and become the Pastor of the Arlington and Mason, TN, Presbyterian Churches. It was in 1980 that Robert began his work at McCormick Theological Seminary as he entered the doctoral program, and completing the Doctor of Ministry degree in 1982. In 1984 Robert finally realized his lifelong dream of becoming a missionary and was recruited to go to Dallas, TX and Birmingham, England where he and Nancy studied for their assignment in Ghana in West Africa. While in Ghana, Robert taught lay training and started an Agricultural and Development project as they worked in both Abetifi and Tease both of which were remote areas of the country. In addition, he also worked to support Nancy as she provided health care and education to the local communities. Robert returned to the United States in 1992 and assumed the position of Pastor of Evangelism and Visitation at Advent Presbyterian Church in Cordova, TN. Robert T. Crumpton finally retired in 2012 after devoting almost 60 years to the work of the church. Following his retirement, Robert, along with his beloved Nancy could be found at their cabin in Chester County, TN, working tirelessly together on their property and sharing the fruits of their labor with family and friends.
Robert is survived by his wife of 47 years, Nancy Crumpton, who he cherished and with whom he traveled the world. Together they were often found gardening, traveling and spending time with their family. Robert was one of six children and was preceded in death by his sister Katy Bryson and his brother David Crumpton. He is survived by his brother John R. Crumpton his brother Bill Crumpton (Rae Nell), and his sister Jane McCrae (Robert). Robert is survived by four (4) children, Sally Anne Crumpton of Knoxville, TN, David Worley (Laurie) of Lakeland TN, Wesley Crumpton (Jill) of Olive Branch, MS, and Mary Weaver (Stacey) of Selmer, TN. He was also predeceased by a son, Thomas Crumpton, from Knoxville, TN, who passed away in 2014. He is also survived by six (6) grandchildren, Nathan Tatum (Britney), Joshua Tatum (Mallory), Zachary Weaver, Kyle Worley (Isabel), Allie Crumpton and Grant Crumpton (Allie). He was also loved by four (4) great-grandchildren.
Following a private family burial at Memphis Funeral Home, a Memorial Service will be held at Advent Presbyterian Church on March 9, at 2:00p.m. after which there will be a small reception.
