Obituary of Robert Lee Crump

Obituary Robert Lee Crump Robert Lee Crump was born on August 20, 1940, in Cumberland, VA to Robert Russell Crump and Luevenia Crump. At an early age, Robert accepted Christ, was baptized, and joined Center Union Baptist Church. He was educated in the Cumberland County Public School System and graduated from Luther P. Jackson High School. Robert's life In New Jersey Robert began his career in 1970 with the United States Government at Picatinny Arsenal in Dover, NJ. He was a civilian contractor for the Department of the Army as a Material Handler where he poured his heart and soul into his work. Robert had a great working relationship with all his coworkers. Robert received numerous awards and letters of commendation for his thorough knowledge of his duties and responsibilities. Robert had a special relationship with all the employees at Picatinny Credit Union. They loved and adored Robert. Robert retired May 2005 after 30 years of dedicated service. Because he was such a hard worker and not one to sit around and do nothing, Robert worked for Hertz Rental, in his spare time as a vehicle transporter and continued as a Material Handler with Chugach, before retiring in 2017 due to exhibiting early signs of dementia. Robert had an exceptional bond with his young coworker, Matthew Scanlon, who Robert affectionally called "Red Top" and took him under his wing. Robert met Ellen Austin in 1977, his lifelong partner of 45 years after being introduced to him by his good friend, Huey Solomon. Robert, although he did not have children of his own, instantly became a stepfather to her three daughters, Yvette (13) Sharon (10) and Nancy (9). In our early years, Robert would take us to amusement parks, restaurants, out riding and on Sundays we would go to Philly to check on Aunt Lee. Robert never missed a Sunday with Aunt Lee. Robert was a strong, kind, and loving person. When he lived on Seymour Avenue in Newark, he developed a strong and loving bond with his landlord Mrs. Gordon. Robert became Mrs. Gordon's adopted son. Robert took care of Mrs. Gordon until her death. This is who Robert was, a lifelong friend who would stay by your side to the end. Robert moved to Marshall Street, Irvington where he made a host of lifelong friends throughout the twelve buildings. Robert always made sure to check on his next-door neighbor Sandy Jackson and the others. Robert loved Costco and would not hesitate if a neighbor asked him to pick up something he would. Robert was loved by everyone at Marshall Street. Robert loved the New York Yankees, he always represented his team with his signature NY Yankees cap, T-Shirt, watch, and anything NY Yankees. Robert loved to dance; he would dance to any type of music. Robert had a love for American made cars. Robert's cars were named "Betsy." His Buick, Oldsmobile (2), Monte Carlo, just to name a few. The "Betsy" he loved more than anything was his black 2008 Chevy Impala Super Sport. Robert had a great sense of humor and if you did not want to hear the truth you did not ask Robert. If you did something silly Robert would say "Why don't you use your head for something other than a hat rack?" Robert, a proud grandfather loved when the grands called him "Grandpa" or "Pop-Pop." Robert enjoyed taking them to amusement parks, out to eat and to Virginia. Robert moved in with his stepdaughter Sharon aka "The Daughter" and husband Jeffrey in Egg Harbor Township, NJ, May 2018. Robert's dementia increased to the point where he needed professional care. August 2019, Robert moved into The Woodland's in Farmville, VA. Robert did not miss a beat, he made a host of new friends. The staff and residents just loved and adored Robert. He kept them laughing with his infectious smile and smart mouth. Robert was an honorable, trustworthy, thoughtful, incredible human being. He was loved by everyone who encountered him. Robert knew no strangers, which is a unique gift and shows how special Robert was that he could touch folks far and wide, including my aunts. His passion and integrity to those he loved was unwavering. Thank you, Robert. Because of you, your NJ family became a part of your VA family including your father, Robert, brother, Uncle Alex, and your sisters, Aunt Delores, her husband Bob and Aunt Bunny, and a host of aunts, uncles' nieces, nephew, and cousins. Robert loved and was loved unconditionally by both his New Jersey and Virginia families. Rest in peace Robert, I love you and will miss you --"The daughter" Robert Lee was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Alex Crump, sister, Bernice (Bunny) Trent, uncles; Samuel Crump, Frank Crump, James Crump, aunts; Maude Goff, Flossie Goff, Isabel Harris, Kathleen Crump, and Dorothy Dozier. Robert leaves to cherish precious memories, his life long devoted partner, Ellen Austin, bonus daughters, Sharon Noel (Jeffrey), Yvette Austin-Gilliam (Douglas), Nancy Austin, one sister, Delores Langhorn (Bob), nine bonus grandchildren; Shavone Austin, Kareem Austin, Chantel Austin-Faulk (Edgar), Dejon Inocencio, Amanda Noel, Alza Austin, Christopher Austin, , Alia Harris, Davon Austin, eight great grandchildren, one uncle; Linwood Crump, two aunts, Emma Jones and Parena Crump, one nephew; Terry Langhorn (Patricia), three nieces, Sherry Mitchell, Citronella Wingo (Roger). Allison Jackson, nine great-great nieces; two great-great nephews, numerous cousins, one favorite and devoted, Pearline Liverman, and devoted friends, James Brown, and Carroll Trent. My Cousin, Robert Lee Cousin Robert Lee has always been in my life. Robert Lee was a Hardworking young boy while performing daily chores on the Sunnyside Farm. His job seemed more like play to my cousin Bunny, Delores, and me because he always laughed and making us laugh while keeping us safe while playing. Robert Lee was always a speedy driver of cars, tractors, even horse powered wagons. My cousins and I were passengers on these wagons which was tortured fun, yes Robert Lee enjoyed our screams and holding on for dear life. He was a regular non-paying customer to our cardboard play store; he ate real cookies and drank our real Kool aid, while always promising to pay later. He and Alex, his older brother, was such a fun-loving pair together they both loved a good party. My cousins Delores, Bunny and Auntie Lou were passengers in my Uncle Bob's car when Robert Lee, the chauffer was reminded by my Auntie that he was a beginner driver. She said, "Boy put your arm back in this car, put both hands on that steering wheel and watch the road; YOU ARE NOT AN EXPERT DRIVER!" It was later in his life, he confessed he looked forward to his cousin Pearline coming for summertime visits and what an amazing time we had. During his younger adult years, Robert Lee visited his Virginia family twice a year, Christmas and on his summer vacation. His visits were always party time. Later as the family grew the kids kept him busy. There was never a dull moment when he came to town, always out and about enjoying the beaches, amusement parks, night spots and sightseeing. When Robert Lee became older, his visit would become annual summer vacations, first stop Cumberland, to visit with his immediate family members and friends. He would sometimes bring his bonus family members from New Jersey. Second stop, Richmond to visit Aunt Dorothy, nieces, and other family members. His final destinations were Portsmouth, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach. He always stuffed his genuine leather luggage to take back home. His Aunt Lee of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on her nephew, Robert Lee. He was her caregiver until her demise in 1998. Robert also enjoyed being a guest at major family functions in Davenport, Iowa with his niece and great nieces. Robert Lee Crump never forgot where he came from and his humble beginnings that he experienced before moving on up to the good life. His attire consisted of top-of-the-line suits, shoes, hats, overcoats, etc. Rest in peace Robert Lee, you will be missed. Love Cousin Pearline