U.S. Army Ret. CSM Willie Carlton Crowe Jr.

Ret. CSM Willie Carlton Crowe Jr., age 83 of Hinesville, GA, passed away on Feb. 4, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born on November 14, 1942, in Akron, OH. Willie Crowe dedicated his life to service to his country and his community.

He proudly served in the United States Army. His military career took him to various parts of the world. He served two tours in Vietnam, where he received a Bronze Star with Valor. He was stationed twice in Korea and three times in Germany. He was the 24th Infantry Division Field Artillery CSM on Ft. Stewart, GA, where he later retired after 31 years of service.

Willie is survived by his wife of 61 years, Maria Crowe; his three daughters, Deanna Dasher of Savannah, GA., Dawn Russell of Savannah, GA., and Denise Oriti of Ashburn, VA. He had four granddaughters and two great-grandchildren he treasured: Stefanie McCullough, Isabelle Russell, Madeline Russell, Georgina Oriti, Dash McCullough, and Margot McCullough. He had three sons-in-law, Alan Dasher, Marco Oriti, the late Barry Russell, and one grandson-in-law, Drew McCullough. He is also survived by his two siblings, Donald Crowe and Judy Ates, and many nieces and nephews.

Willie was a kind-hearted, old soul whose life was defined by quiet strength, generosity, and unwavering devotion to those he loved. A proud veteran who served his country for many years, he carried that same sense of duty into his role as a father to his three daughters and a deeply cherished grandfather to his many grandchildren. He gave his time freely to support everyone around him, always showing up with steady encouragement and a willingness to help. Known for his remarkable knack to fix just about anything, he was the person family & friends could count on without hesitation. Above all, he will be remembered as the most supportive man – a constant source of comfort, wisdom, and love whose presence shaped the lives of so many.

During his retirement, Wille took pride in his yard and his beloved fruit trees. He enjoyed freshwater fishing and tinkering with his lawn equipment. Willie was a faithful member of St. Stephen First Martyr Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He is preceded in death by his parents, Willie Carlton Crowe Sr. and Julia Willowdeen Ridgeway of Bagdad, FL; his siblings, Ronald Crowe, Nancy Crowe Atkinson, Edward Crowe, Jimmy Crowe, Robert Crowe, and Terrance Carlton Crowe.

Family will receive friends on Tuesday Febuary 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Stephen's First Martyr Catholic Church.

Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at St. Stephen's First Martyr Catholic Church.

Burial with Full Military Honors will be on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Greenwhich Section of Bonaventure.

Donations may be made directly to St. Stephen First Martyr Catholic Church.