Wednesday, November 8, 2017 8:58 am

Rev. William Ray Crowder, Sr, age 84 of Asheville, and formerly a long time resident of Forest City, passed away on Wednesday, November 1, 2017.

Born May 17, 1933, he was a son of the late Paul Kelly Crowder and Ruby Mae Humphries Crowder. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine Story Crowder and sister, JoAnn C. Campbell.

William (Bill) was a graduate of Cool Springs High School and attended Fruitland Bible College. As a young man he was an employee of the old Forest City Livermush Plant, then a longtime employee of A&P Grocery in Lenoir. He was a well-known Taxidermist in Lenoir and Forest City. He is a former Pastor of churches in Caldwell and Rutherford Counties.

He enjoyed outdoor activities, seeing God's creations in his hunting and fishing. He loved to make squirrel dumplings!

He is survived by his daughter, Vickie C. Winebarger and husband, Rev. Bobby Winebarger of Asheville, two sons, William Ray Crowder, Jr and wife Susan, Alfred Paul Crowder and wife Kathy. He is loved by 8 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great grandchildren as well as two brothers, Hugh Crowder and wife Joyce and Earl Crowder and wife Betty.

A Celebration of his Christian Life was held at Smith Grove Baptist Church of Forest City with Rev. Terry White and Rev. Bobby Winebarger officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, 1730 Pisgah Hwy, Candler, NC 28715.

The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.