Barney E. Crews, Jr. entered his heavenly home on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at his residence surrounded by his loving family at the age of 85.
Born in Lauderdale County, TN, on December 19, 1937, the son of the late Barney E. Crews, Sr. and Thelma Wright Crews. He attended Cumberland University where he earned his bachelor’s degree.
Barney’s commitment to serving others began early in life. He joined the Jackson Police Department in March 1968 as a patrolman, later became known to many as “Officer Friendly” due to his dedication and community education efforts during his 25 years of service. He furthered his law enforcement expertise by completing the rigorous FBI Academy training program in 1985. He was credited with JPD earning the first accredited department in the State of Tennessee in 1989. He retired with the rank of Captain of Accreditation and received the Medal of Merit from the department.
Barney’s dedication extended beyond his career in law enforcement. He served in the Tennessee Army National Guard for over three decades, retiring with the distinguished rank of Colonel. His unwavering commitment to protecting and serving his country was deeply admired by all who knew him.
Outside of his professional life, Barney was actively involved in various organizations that aimed to make a positive impact on society. He and his late wife Sue were devoted members of Highland Park Church, where Barney taught Sunday School for many years. He was a devoted Mason and Shriner who found great joy in contributing to their noble philanthropic missions. Additionally, Barney selflessly dedicated his time as a volunteer for the American Red Cross, where he served as chairman of the Board for two years. He was also a member of the Bi-Centennial Exchange Club, exemplifying his passion for creating meaningful connections within the community. Furthermore, Barney and his beloved wife were active members and volunteers at the Center for Adult Reading and Enrichment.
Despite accomplishing so much throughout his life, Barney always found time to care for others with genuine compassion and concern. His friendly demeanor and genuine interest in everyone he encountered made him an immeasurable asset to both his professional and personal communities.
He is survived by his loving daughter, Marjorie Renee Crews, and his son Barney E. Crews III and his wife Donna. He was a doting grandfather to Spencer Harrison and Ben Crews. Barney is also survived by his sister Vivian Blankenship and her husband Noel, as well as his sister Dr. Anna Clifford.
Along with his parents and wife Sara Sue Crews, he was preceded in death by a sister Thelma Barker and brother-in-law, Robert Acie Clifford.
SERVICES: To honor Barney’s life, a funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, September 18, 2023, in the chapel of Arrington Funeral Directors with Rev. Ken Skelton and Rev. Mark Pendergrass officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Gardens.
The family will be receiving friends on Monday, September 18, 2023, beginning at 12:00 p.m. and continuing until the service.
The family is requesting that memorial contributions be directed to Wards Grove Baptist Church, 672 Law Road, Lexington, TN 38351 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38501 or online at wwww.stjude.org or Highland Park Church, 1102 Campbell Street, Jackson, TN 38301 or online at www.hpclife.com.
Barney E. Crews, Jr., will forever remain in our hearts as a compassionate leader, a dedicated public servant, and a beloved family member. His kindness and selflessness have left an indelible mark on the community he served wholeheartedly.
Arrington Funeral Directors, 148 W. University Parkway, Jackson, Tennessee 38305
