Charles Linden “Spud” Crotzer, Sr., known for his kind heart, determined spirit, and love for potatoes, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2024. He was born on September 26, 1930, in Maury County, Tennessee, to the late James Linden Crotzer and Cleo West Crotzer. His nickname “Spud” was lovingly given by his mother due to his fondness for potatoes, which he enjoyed in every imaginable way.
Spud graduated from Haylong High School in Mt. Pleasant, TN, and soon after, in 1951, he answered the call to serve his country, drafted by the United States Army and bravely fighting in the Korean Conflict as part of the Second Division Infantry Regiment. After his honorable service, he embarked on a dedicated career as a dispatcher with Columbia Rock Products, where he faithfully served for 39 and a half years until his well-deserved retirement.
A man of strong faith, Spud was a longstanding member of Locust Street Church of Christ and Jackson Heights Church of Christ, where his presence and contributions were deeply cherished.
Spud leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion to his family, survived by his sons, Barry Lee (Joyce) Crotzer and Russell Adam (Julie) Crotzer; grandchildren, Chris (Michelle) McClain, Virginia Lynn (Brett) Danley, Kristyn Faith Crotzer, Abigail Lynn Crotzer, Chase (Ashley) Mayton, and Cameron (Katelyn) Mayton; great-grandchildren:, Jordan (Taylor) McClain, Brittany McClain, and Emma Mayton; and great-great-granddaughter, Hallie Mae McClain. He is also survived by niece, Janice (David) Buchanan; great-niece, Andrea Buchanan (Scott) McQueen; great-nephew, Grant Buchanan; and several extended family members, as well as special friends, Gary Stohl and Beth Morrissette.
Spud is preceded in death by his son, Charles Linden Crotzer; siblings: Helen Crotzer Hickman, Dorothy Crotzer Underwood, Jack Crotzer, and John Crotzer, and niece, Suzanne Kay Underwood.
Honoring Spud as pallbearers will be Danny Couples, Chris McClain, Brett Danley, Chase Mayton, Cameron Mayton, Grant Buchanan, and David Buchanan. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be, James White, Bobby Norman, Claude Brawner, Hendley Edwards, Hal Pressnell, Mike Pfieffer, and Jimmy Sanders, along with the men of Jackson Heights Church of Christ and Locust Street Church of Christ.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. The funeral service will take place on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at 11:00 AM, with Bro. Mike Williams and Bro. Terry Peery officiating. Following the service, Spud will be laid to rest at Arlington Cemetery, where military honors will be rendered, commemorating his service and dedication to his country.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Post 19 American Legion in Columbia, TN. Spud will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him, but his memory will forever live on in the hearts of those he touched.
The care of Mr. Charles “Spud” Crotzer and his family has been entrusted to the staff of Williams Funeral Home.
