“But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” Joshua 24:15
Franklin Dean Crumley, 90, peacefully passed away October 23rd, at the Johnson City Medical Center, with his family by his side.
Dean was a 1954 graduate of Science Hill High School where he was a member of the marching band and worked in the bookstore. Growing up, Dean mowed yards for many neighbors and still has a mower just like his original. During high school and after graduation, he began working for Appalachian Funeral Home and Charlie Bowman. He served in the United States Army from 1959-1965. Stationed in Albuquerque, NM, Dean served in the Military Police Corps.
After moving back to Johnson City in 1961, Dean worked with his father and eventually took ownership of Crumley’s Repair Shop, where he worked for more than 50 years. After retirement, Dean worked for Dillow Taylor Funeral Home for over 25 years.
Two of Dean’s favorite retirement activities included mowing his yard, his neighbors’ yards, and anyone who might need it. He also had a passion for grilling. He and his grill were found at many churches, community, and private events. He was famous for great tender fillets.
Dean was a member of Boones Creek Christian Church for nearly 70 years where he was an elder and a deacon for many years. He and his wife, Thelma, also taught many youth classes. He and Thelma were founding members of the JOY Class Sunday School class. Dean was co-chairperson of the Upward Bound Committee, where he prepared meals and raised thousands of dollars for church building programs. He was a regular at the BCCC Senior Thursday morning breakfast at Bob Evans.
Dean had a true heart for community service. He served on the Washington County Farm Bureau Board of Directors and was a member of the Washington County Cattlemen's Association. Dean was also recognized as an honorary alumnus for Daniel Boone FFA chapter for his service. He was a member of the Johnson City Civitan Club where he served in local and regional leadership positions. He was involved with several community service projects through Civitan, including the Appalachian Fair and Claxton Fruit Cake sales. Dean and Thelma received the Appalachian Fair U.S. Army Golden Knights Baton in recognition for their long-term service to the fair and community.
Dean supported his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in all of their activities. Dean took some of his grandchildren to school and brought them breakfast every morning until they graduated high school. You would also often find Dean and Thelma at ball fields, school programs, graduations, cattle shows, and anywhere else his family was involved.
Dean was preceded in death in July by his wife of 67 ½ years, Thelma Crumley; parents, Robert and Margaret Crumley; grandson, Christopher Adam Denny; brother in law, Ray Davis; and a sister.
Survivors include his three daughters and sons-in-laws: Cathy and Jimmy Byers, Jane and Dean Denny, Amy and Kevin Collette; grandchildren David and Beverly Byers, Christi and Eric Tipton, Ashley and Ethan Tolliver, Mary Beth Collette, and Callie Collette; great grandchildren: Aleah Byers, Brentlee Tolliver, JP Tipton, Judah Tipton, Abbi Byers, Braxton Tolliver, Brylie Tolliver, and John Henry Tipton; sister-in-law Jean Davis; and sister. He is also survived by several loved nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Mekendra Williams, Abigail Abram, Hunter Crandall, Dr. Tariq Haddadin, Whitney Pyles, Dr. Vipulkumar Brahmbhatt, Leota Letterman and Tammie Payne for their compassionate medical care and friendship. Also, Lynn Scarbrough of Silver Angels for her years of help and support. Also, special thanks to the nurses and staff at JCMC 5300.
Pallbearers include Jimmy Byers, Dean Denny, Kevin Collette, David Byers, Eric Tipton, Ethan Tolliver, Josh Howard, and Jared Howard. Honorary pallbearers include great grandsons, Larry Black, Butch Carpenter, Bentley Daniels, Glenn Davis, Joel Davis, Justin Davis, Robert Hall, T J Osborne, Adam Palko, John Payne, Mike Rowland, Jason Royston, David Saylor, Mike Saylor, Donald Sims, members of the BCCC Joy Class, and employees of Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home and Washington County Farm Bureau.
Services for Dean will be Thursday, October 29, 2026. Burial will be at 11:00 AM at Mountain Home National Cemetery with ministers Justin Davis, Jason Royston and David Reese. Visitation will be held at Boones Creek Christian Church from 4:00pm - 7:00pm with the celebration of life service following with ministers Ben Cole, David Clark, and Palma Bennett. Those wishing to attend the burial are asked to meet at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home at 10:00 am. The service will be streamed live on Boones Creek Christian Church’s YouTube Channel for those unable to attend.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Boones Creek Christian Church Building Fund, 305 Christian Church Road, Johnson City, TN 37601.
Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.dillow-taylor.com
Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Jonesborough, TN 423-753-3821
