Randall "R. G." Gordon Crump

Randall Gordon Crump, 85, widower of Mary Sue Crump passed away peacefully at his home on November 11, 2024 (Veterans Day). He is survived by his sons Randy Crump (Lynne) of Dunwoody, GA and Todd Crump of Columbia, SC, along with his beloved grandchildren, Gracie, Gordon, Lila and Ellie, and his brother, Aubrey (Barbara) Crump. He was predeceased by brothers Garland Crump and Asie Crump, Jr.

Known to all as R.G., he was born and raised in Winchester, KY. After joining the U.S. Marine Corps, he pursued his passion for aviation by enrolling in flight school. R.G. and his wife Sue eventually settled in Nashville, TN where he began his successful career as a pilot, and later an aircraft broker in Palm Beach Gardens, FL.

R.G.’s career in aviation was marked by extraordinary experiences. He dedicated his time to flying donated bodily organs to those in need and transporting burned children across the country for medical treatment. He also had the privilege of flying country music stars and world leaders. One of his fondest memories was meeting Mother Teresa at Teterboro Airport, where he received a special blessing from her.

Throughout his life, R.G. enjoyed great professional success and was known as a sharp and creative businessman. However, it was in his role as a grandfather, or “Papaw,” that he displayed his softer side. He and Sue eventually moved to the Atlanta area to be closer to family, where R.G. enjoyed retirement, pursuing his love for golf and cherishing time with friends and family. At age 65, he celebrated his first hole-in-one, and over the next decade achieved four more!

R.G. had an innate ability to make friends wherever he went. His warmth, humor, and genuine interest in others made him a beloved figure to many. In his later years, R.G. became a dedicated caregiver to his wife, Sue, when she fell ill. Even as his own health declined, he continued to prioritize his family, friends and faith, faithfully attending Friday fellowship and Sunday worship.

A celebration of R.G.’s life will be held at Johns Creek Baptist Church on Tuesday, December 3 at 10:30 a.m. Family and friends are invited to greet the family in the Heritage Room following the service. A Memorial Mass for both R.G. and Sue will be offered on Friday, December 6 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Columbia, SC. A private inurnment will be held at a later date.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the many friends and neighbors who have offered their support through cards, meals, words of encouragement and prayers over the past months. Your kindness has been a great comfort. Special thanks to the staff and congregation at Johns Creek Baptist Church for their incredible love and support. We express our gratitude to R.G.’s devoted healthcare providers, Alethea and Helen.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in R.G.’s honor to Johns Creek Baptist Church, 6910 McGinnis Ferry Road, Alpharetta, GA 30005 or to The Free Medical Clinic, 1875 Harden Street, Columbia, SC 29204.

While we grieve his passing, we do so with hope, knowing R.G, a devoted Christian, has taken his “final flight” having been called to victory in Jesus and is forever in the presence of the great cloud of witnesses for all eternity.