Lee R. Crowder

Lee R. Crowder, 64, of Valdosta, passed away on July 26, 2020 in Tifton after a brief battle with COVID-19. He was born on December 29, 1955 in Jacksonville, FL, to the late Roy Elsworth Crowder and Norma Louise Pratt Crowder Smith. Lee graduated from Paxon High School in Jacksonville in 1973 and attended FSU and then graduated from University of North Florida in Jacksonville with a Chemistry Degree. He began working with Union Camp during college and continued after graduation. He started as a lab tech and continued to grow in his job and eventually was promoted to be the plant manager of the Valdosta Plant in 1997. The plant changed to Arizona Chemical in early 1999, and he retired from being Plant Manager in 2013. He was very active in the community and served on the board of Options Now since 2014 and was the current treasurer. He was a faithful member of Morningside Baptist Church and has taught Sunday School for many years. He also sang in the choir and served in many other capacities. He loved to travel and camp with his family, and fish in the ocean.
Lee is survived by his wife of 18 years, Shannon Coulson Crowder, of Valdosta; son and daughter in law, Brian and Heather Crowder, of Texas and the soon expected arrival of his first grandchild; son Philip Crowder, of Jacksonville; son and daughter in law, Chris and Rebecca Crowder, of Valdosta; his sister and brother in law, Beth and Roger Steinke, of Texas; and several sisters in law, brothers in law, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at 11 a.m. at Morningside Baptist Church with Pastor Wayne Robertson officiating. Burial will follow at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 5-7p.m. at the Carson McLane Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Options Now, 214 W Park Ave, Valdosta, GA 31602, or Morningside Baptist Church Building Fund, 425 Connell Road, Valdosta, GA 31602The family requests that all who plan to attend the visitation and funeral service please wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home.