Thomas Allan Crowe

Thomas (Tom) Allan Crowe, 75, passed away peacefully with his son Brian by his side on April 13, 2022 at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center following a valiant battle with health issues. The family gives thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Atrium Hospital Main for their attention to his every need and helping him through a difficult journey.

Tom was born January 23, 1947, in San Diego, CA, the son of the late Roger A. Crowe and Elizabeth J. Crowe of Columbia, SC. The son of a career Army officer, Tom moved often as a child but settled in Columbia, SC, where he attended AC Flora High School. He attended the University of South Carolina and joined the US Marine Corps in 1966. Following training at Parris Island, Tom served in Viet Nam as an Air Traffic Controller. Following his military service, Tom spent most of his career with Bell (AT&T) Telephone, assigned to their operations in Charlotte, which became his permanent home.

A fan of the late Gene Krupa, one of the greatest jazz drummers of all time, Tom developed a passion for music and played in adult military jazz bands from the age of 14, while living in France, where his father was stationed. He subsequently played in the AC Flora Marching and Jazz Bands, a variety of genres, and multiple venues around Columbia during his high school years.

Tom exhibited creativity throughout his life. Friends and family joke that it led him out of trouble as quickly as he found it. Tom will be remembered for his love and respect for people, sense of humor, engaging personality, and quick wit.

Tom was predeceased by his loving wife, Phyllis Faber Crowe, whom he married in 2017. Tom is survived by his son, Brian Allan Crowe (Angie) of Rockville, MD, and their families; brother Fred J. Crowe (Barbara) of Greer, SC, and their families; brother Roger F. Crowe of Dickinson, TX; and step-daughter Kari Case (Cullen) of Charlotte, NC, and her family. Tom brought a mix of joy and laughter to the entire family, and found peace in their love and support.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation at www.mcsf.org.

A private family memorial service honoring Tom’s life will be held in the near future. A private interment of ashes ceremony with military honors will be held for family members at the M.J. “Dolly” Cooper Veterans Cemetery in Anderson, SC, in the near future.

Arrangements are being handled by McEwen Funeral Service Charlotte Chapel.