Sylvester Crowell

03/16/1947 - 02/07/2024

Obituary For Sylvester Crowell

Sylvester Crowell, 76, of Phenix City, AL passed Wednesday, February 7, 2024 in Columbus, GA.

Funeral service will be 11:30 a.m. EST, Friday, February 16, 2024 at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Steven Garrett, Pastor, officiating. Internment will follow at Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery. Public viewing from 1-5 p.m. EST, Thursday, February 15, 2024.

Sylvester “Butch” Crowell departed this earthly life and went to his heavenly home, February 7, 2024. He was born to the late Ernest and Ernestine Cannon Crowell on March 16, 1947. God blessed him immensely when he met and married the love of his life, Gloria Marie Crowell, January 14, 1977. They were blessed with three sons: Platon, Ernest and Eric.

He was an only child but grew up in close relationship with eight of his cousins. They saw each other regularly and established a life-long bond. As an only child, his parents gave him almost everything he desired. One Christmas they got “Butch” a motorcycle before he was old enough to ride; however, that did not stop him or his friends from taking it for a spin.

He attended Susie E. Allen Elementary School and graduated from South Girard High School in 1966. He was a gifted athlete. He played football in high school but excelled at baseball. While young men his age were playing with their peers, he played on teams with adults. They respected and valued him as a team member.

After high school, “Butch” was drafted in the Army and did a tour of duty in Vietnam until the untimely death of his father. In 1972, he went to work for Uniroyal Rubber Plant in Opelika, AL and retired in 2000.

He accepted Christ at an early age under the leadership of Reverend Thornton of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church. He was president of the male choir and quite a popular Chairman of the Annual Men’s Day Program.

“Butch” was a great husband and father. He took his role as “dad” very seriously. When he was not coaching his sons in sports, you could always find him on the side lines cheering them on. He went to great lengths to attend every game. “Butch” also had a remarkable spirit of hospitality on his life. He and his beloved Marie enjoyed entertaining family and friends at their home. He was an expert Grill master and she made all the delicious sides.

He loved family. He single-handedly organized the first reunion of his family in 2002 and was the spirit and inspiration behind the reunion in July 2023. His efforts were so highly valued and appreciated that the Steering Committee proclaimed him “Mr. CEO.” A moniker he affectionately adopted.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife, Gloria Marie Crowell; his three sons, Platon (Jamille), Ernest and Eric (KiKi); three grandchildren, Deqadri Jefferson, and Lauryn and Kaylin Crowell; one bonus granddaughter, Rilee McCall; two great-granddaughters, Moriah and Eryn Jefferson; Sister and Brother Cousins: Ernestine Jordan (Leonard), Margie Holmes, Adelaide Wilder (Cornel), Johnnie Cannon (Sandra), Janet Adams (Eula), Jean Swanson, Derrick Cannon (Maggie); Cousins, Meretha Ashford and Shirley Hughley; and a host of beloved family and friends.

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