William Garfield Crum

Bill was an exceptionally charismatic and passionate person and a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He loved ideas and mentoring and inspiring others to pursue their highest purpose. He was a gentlemen who loved people and spending hours discussing topics from archeology and astronomy to theology and current events. He described himself as “6’2, married and good-looking”—although there is some debate as to whether he was actually 6’2.”

Bill entered the world on February 18, 1940, in Greensboro, North Carolina, as the son of Mark Hillary Crum and Lillie Mae Cofer Crum.

He graduated from North Carolina Military Academy, Officer Candidate School, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and later received his Bachelor of Arts in Management from Our Lady of the Lake University, San Antonio, Texas.

He spent 29 years of his professional career at Nationwide Insurance Company until his retirement in 1995, where he held progressive leadership roles, culminating in an executive position. For many years, he specialized in rehabilitating underperforming subsidiaries. He loved this work as it reflected his belief that dire circumstances can be resolved with innovation, hard work, and a positive attitude. He also served in the Army National Guard as an Acting Colonel and Captain for 20 years, retiring in 2000.

For 30 years, he was a faithful member of Crossing Community Church (formerly, Lane Avenue Baptist Church), serving as Deacon, Chair of the Finance Committee, Treasurer, and Chair of the Day Care Board. He was also a tireless advocate for people with disabilities, serving in leadership roles in numerous organizations after retirement. He was appointed by Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas Moyer as Chair of Ohio Legal Rights Services Commission, and appointed by Ohio Governor Bob Taft to the Governor’s Council on People with Disabilities, as well as other positions. He was also 32nd degree Scottish Freemason.

Bill leaves behind his loving wife of 46 years, Jean Crum, three children and four grandchildren. His children include Nicole Marie Crum, her husband, Jared Gross, and their children Anabelle Crum-Gross and Laban Crum-Gross; his son, William Crum, Jr.; and his daughter, Jeannine Marie Crum Gregoriades, her husband Greg Gregoriades, and their children Zenaïs and Demetrios. In addition to his family, Bill leaves behind countless people who he inspired to relentlessly pursue their dreams. He always said, “some people just need encouragement.”