Douglas Vann Crowder, 66, of Smithfield, Virginia, peacefully went home to be with the lord on May 6, 2023. He passed away at his beloved cabin in Vesuvius, Virginia.

Doug was born in Greensboro, North Carolina, to William Henry Crowder, Jr. and Joyce Ann Lewis on March 15, 1957. 

Doug enlisted in the United States Navy in 1974 and served four years on the amphibious ship USS Saginaw as an Engineman 1st Class. During most of his naval career, he was stationed at the Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek in Virginia.

He attended schools in Fulton, Kentucky, before enlisting in the Navy, where he completed his GED. After serving in the Navy, Doug attended Tidewater Community College, graduating with an associate degree.

Doug married the love of his life, Lori, on June 16, 1984, in Union City, Tennessee, moving that same day to Portsmouth, Virginia. 

Doug worked on the waterfront in the Tidewater area of Virginia for more than 40 years. He started his career at Norshipco as an outside machinist, working his way up to management. He continued his career on the waterfront, using his skills and knowledge to help companies grow and prosper. He finished his career, retiring from Accurate Marine Environment as the Director of Contracts and Operations in December 2020. During his long career on the waterfront, he was known for his wit and charm, his shrewdness when needed, and his ability to overcome any obstacle. He was given the nickname “Tennessee Darling,” which was painted on several of his hard hats.

Doug was known throughout his life to have a great sense of humor and a quick wit that could break the ice and take the tension out of any situation. His kindness, passion, and meticulous nature are what made people remember him.

Throughout his life, Doug was referred to in many ways. He was known as a son, husband, father, brother, grandfather (Pop Pop), great-grandfather, uncle, friend, and mentor, cherishing every one of those roles. He was a follower of the teachings of Jesus Christ and a member of Mt. Paran Baptist Church in Vesuvius, Virginia, and part of the community where he considered everyone his mountain family.

Doug loved spending time with his family, friends, and especially his dog Sheba at his cabin. He loved working in his shop and collecting antiques, especially cars. He was an avid fan of old Westerns and Star Trek. Doug was thoughtful and kind and will be missed by the many lives he touched.

Doug is preceded in death by his father, William Henry Crowder Jr, his Brother, William Desmond Crowder, and his step-father Eddie Morris.

Doug is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Lori Crowder; his children, William (Caroline) Crowder of Carrsville, VA, Jason (Jacque) Crowder of Charleston, SC, and Michael Crowder of Portsmouth, VA; Sisters: Tammy (Mike) Beck of  Burlington NC, Sally (Richard) Rogers of Magdalena NM, Kim (Harold) Davis of South Fulton TN, and Linda Matthews of Titusville FL; his mother, Joyce Morris of Burlington NC, and step-mother Lucy Crowder of Magdalena NM; grandchildren: Kaitlyn, Hailey, Ayden, Isabella, Faith, Regan, Julianne, Paige; great-Grandchild: Colton, and many nieces and nephews. 

There are no words that can express how grateful and blessed we are to our friends and neighbors who were there for us on the day of Doug’s passing.

Family and Friends are welcome to attend a celebration of life, which will be held Sunday, May 21, 2023, at 2 pm, at Mt. Paran Baptist Church, 7140 Irish Creek Rd, Vesuvius, Virginia, followed by a graveside service to be held at the family cemetery, 636 Bradley Lane, Vesuvius, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Mt. Paran Baptist Church, Vesuvius, Virginia.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Stuarts Draft Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes and Crematory.

Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family online by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com