Dr. John Clifford Crump

Dr. John Clifford Crump, 88, of Jasper, passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2025. The family will receive friends at First Methodist Church on Wednesday, February 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, directed by Kilgore-Green Funeral Home.

Dr. Crump was preceded in death by his wives, Casandra Taylor Crump and Sylvia Shumaker Crump, and his parents, Raymond and Carrie Crump.

He is survived by his children Terri Crump Bolen (Johnny), Leigh Ann Crump Spano (Judson), Dr. John R. “Bubba” Crump (Karen), and Nolan Sparks (Dina); grandchildren, John Tyler Bolen (Winter), Morgan Bolen Biggers (Paul), Taylor Spano (Tyler), J. Michael Crump, Bryson Crump, Alex Sparks, Adam Sparks (Lisa), Sylvie Sparks; and great-grandchildren, Jase and Conner Bolen, Olivia Biggers, Brooks Spano, and Audrey Sparks.

The family would like to express its gratitude to Harbor Chase Assisted Living and Ridgewood Health Services for the excellent care Dr. Crump received.

Dr. John was born in Jasper, Alabama, on March 7, 1936. He graduated from Walker County High School in 1954 and earned a business degree from Florence State University, where he played football on a scholarship. After graduation, he returned to Walker County High School, where he taught economics and coached football alongside D. Joe Gambrell.

Though he initially pursued a career in education and coaching, Dr. John was accepted into the University of Alabama Dental School in Birmingham. Upon earning his degree, he served two years in the Air Force before returning to Jasper to establish his dental practice, where he cared for patients for over 30 years.

Dr. John had a deep love for sports. He was a dedicated supporter of local athletics, attending games ranging from football to basketball and baseball. His competitive spirit was evident both on and off the field—he believed in playing to win. A lifelong fan of the University of Alabama, Dr. John was a regular attendee at games for many years. Golf was another passion, and he could often be found on the course on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and even Sundays after church. As his grandchildren began playing sports, he became their biggest cheerleader, supporting them in athletics and dance performances. Dr. John was honored to be inducted into the Walker County Sports Hall of Fame and the Walker High School Hall of Fame and named one of the Top 100 Football Players in Walker High School history.

A dedicated community member, Dr. John was a lifelong member of the Rotary Club of Jasper and served on the AmSouth Board of Directors. He was also a committed member of the First Methodist Church.

Dr. John leaves behind a legacy of love for his community, sports, and family, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Pallbearers will be Michael Abner, Paul Biggers, IV, John Tyler Bolen, Ronald Bolen, Larry Hood, Phillip Lee, Bob Reed, and Taylor Spano. Honorary pallbearers are his Musgrove Country Club golfing buddies.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the First Methodist Church of Jasper, 1800 Third Avenue South, Jasper, AL 3550, or the Samuel Lee Smith Fund of the Walker Area Community Foundation, P. O. Box 171, Jasper, AL 35502.