Ervin Tyrone Crump

Ervin Tyrone Crump, age 67 of 5057 Valley View Dr., Sanford, NC passed on Friday, January 3, 2020.

Ervin Tyrone Crump transitioned on January 3, 2020. He was born February 6, 1952, in Pittsboro, NC, and is fondly remembered as being disciplined and talented, a hard worker, and a family man. He attended Horton High, and was briefly employed by Boise Cascade, before working as a Control Room Operator at Weyerhaeuser for 30 years. 

He met the love of his life in 1968, Janice Alston, and they were married January 29, 1971. Together they shared a life together for over 50 years raising their two children, decorating a beautiful home, doting over their grandchildren, and supporting each other through the ups and downs of life. 

As a father he emphasized discipline, respect, and a strong work ethic. He instilled perfectionism in his sons, inspiring them to work hard for what they want. When they were children he was a fitness enthusiast and would encourage them to lift weights and work out before they went outside to play. He told them, “you might be the smallest, but you are going to be the strongest and fastest.” And they were. They still are. He was so proud when his youngest son, Shaun, became a professional bodybuilder. He loved to travel to his competitions and was his #1 fan.

A soul food connoisseur, drag racer, and sports fanatic, Ervin’s devotion to the Redskins was consistent and unconditional. On Sundays during football season,   he could always be found faithfully cheering on his favorite team with focused concentration. He could spot a bad call in a room full of people talking with the volume on mute. He was excited about the new Redskins coach and optimistic for a winning season. He was also a NC State fan.

His love of music spanned gospel quartet groups like Lee Williams and the Spiritual QCs, soulful R&B like Roy C, and James Brown the king of soul. He  attended every James Brown concert within driving distance, and he was almost always driving a BMW (his favorite car brand) and it was almost always clean (he liked to keep his cars clean). He loved to display his creativity through self-created designs in his family’s home and yard. 

In retirement, Ervin enjoyed watching Westerns, training his Rottweilers (Roxie, Wendy Danielle, and Grace Angel), and operating the sound system at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, where he was a lifelong member.

Affectionately known as “Buck” by his siblings, and “Poppy” by his grandchildren, he was fiercely loved and will be deeply missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lillar Gertrude and Ervin Crump,

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Janice Alston Crump of the home; two sons, Michael Tyrone (April Royston) of Sanford, NC, and Ervin Vanshaun (Brooke) of Newnan, GA; four sisters, Regenna Edwards of Raleigh, NC, Bettina Boylorn of Moncure, NC, Frances Crump (Bernard Watson) of Moncure, NC, and Cathy Smith (Derrick) of Moncure, NC; four brothers, Floyd Crump (Janie) of Apex, NC, Terry Taylor (Beverly) of Moncure, NC, Lynn Taylor (Wanda) of Moncure, NC, and Marvin Taylor of Moncure, NC; four brothers-in-law, Frederick Alston (Claudia) of Sanford, NC, Kenneth Douglas of Pasadena,  CA, Dwayne Douglas (Melanie) of Prior Lake, MN, and Daryl Douglas of Phoenix, AZ; father-in-law, James Douglas (Ruthie) of Phoenix, AZ; and aunts, Daisy Denny (Louis), of Pittsboro, NC, and Robena McCrimmon of Moncure, NC. He also leaves to mourn four grandchildren, Haven, Braelin, Steven and Brandon; a great grandchild, Aubrey Lea; and special lifelong friends, Leodis French and Timothy Craig, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and loved ones.   

The family will receive friends at the home of his son Michael Crump 1514 Rollins Store Rd., Sanford, NC 27332

Professional Services Entrusted to: Knotts Funeral Home, Sanford