Obituaries
Mr. John "Jay" Hart Crowder, III
08/03/1963 - 01/05/2026
John "Jay" Hart Crowder III
On January 5, 2026, Jay passed away at the age of 62, assured by his Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. Jay was a consulting forester by trade and greatly enjoyed spending time outdoors through his work. He was a proud graduate of North Carolina State University and a lifelong Wolfpack fan. He had a deep love for cooking and was happiest in the kitchen or behind the grill, sharing meals with those he loved. Jay was an active member of Union Chapel Methodist Church where he served on the board of directors. Jay was involved in his community as the Treasurer of both the Palmer Springs Community Center and Crows Unlimited. He and his wife Linda created a life in the Palmer Springs home that his grandfather built in 1932. Jay cherished the simple pleasures of life and deeply loved his community of Palmer Springs, as well as his corner of Heaven on Earth at Buggs Island Lake, where many meaningful moments were shared with family, friends and his beloved dogs. For Jay, it was a labor of love to make this home a special place for his family, and he dedicated his time and attention to his home and community. Jay was preceded in death by his parents, Johnny and Patsy Crowder. He is survived by his devoted wife of 38 years, Linda; his three children, Hanna Bowman (Matt), Cole Crowder (Gabby), and Reid Crowder; his sister, Connie Weaver (Eric); and his brother, Hal Crowder (Diana). Jay’s first grandchild is expected in February of 2026. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews. Jay will be remembered for his love of family, his passion for his community, and the kindness and warmth he shared with everyone who had the joy of knowing him. The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 10th at 12:00 PM at the Palmer Springs Volunteer Fire Department. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Palmer Springs Volunteer Fire Department. Online condolences may be made through our website, www.crowderhitecrews.com. Crowder-Hite-Crews Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Crowder family.
To publish a public condolence:
Complete the Name (your name),
Title (title your condolence message),
and Review (your condolence message).
Then click "Post Review" button to send (at bottom right).
18 reviews of this entry
Crowder-Hite-Crews Funeral Home & Crematory
PO Box 422
1504 N. Mecklenburg Ave.
South Hill, VA 23970
Local (434) 447-7171
Fax (434) 447-3212
Translate this page
Praying for the Crowders
We were so sad to hear about Jay, so unexpected. We are praying for y’all for God’s comfort. We will certainly miss Jay’s infectious smile and kindness.
Matt’s grandparents
For all who are grieving the loss of Jay, we pray for your courage to face this loss knowing that he left each of you with some of his kindness and sweet spirit. May you be at peace with those parts of him that can be passed on through you to bring joy to others.
With love,
Mac and Emma Wallace
Linda, we are praying for you and your family. We’re so sorry for your loss!
Linda and family.you all are in our thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you during this time .Love to all of you ❤️
sanbaskerville@yahoo.com
Jay was a great classmate and friend. Whenever you saw him he always had something funny to say with a smile. May God continue to comfort his family during this difficult time. God has called one of His children home. Park View Dragons Forever Class of 1981
Ricky & Sandra Baskerville
Jay was a great classmate and friend. Whenever you saw him he always had something funny to say with a smile. May God continue to comfort his family during this difficult time. God has called one of His children home. Park View Dragons Forever Class of 1981
I’ve known the Crowders my entire life and love them all. Jay was a good, kind man who, I don’t think, ever knew a stranger.
I’m heartbroken for the family and Jay will be sorely missed. I pray that the cherished memories will help sustain his loved ones.
I am heartbroken to see this! My heart hurts for all of you, especially Linda. I know too well what loosing your other half feels like. You have great children who will all help you get through it. Again, I am so sorry, and my heart hurts for you guys. Penny
Outdoors…That is what I always thought of when I saw Jay…Work or Play, he was moving around doing something..Prayers & Condolences to all…🙏
Thoughts and Prayers
So sorry to hear about Jay. I use to talk to him all the time years ago when he would stop by dads old store.
Sending out thoughts and prayers for the family.
Prayers
My prayers go out to the family and many friends I made through my relationship with Jay. He will always be be remembered as that friend you could always depend on.
Linda: I am deeply sorry for your loss.
I hope you and your family can find strength, comfort, and peace as you navigate through this loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts, and I wish you and your loved ones courage and support in the days ahead.
Client
Crushing news. Walked more than a few miles with Jay over the last 20 years.
Sorry to lose such a good man. Jay was a kind sensitive straight shooter..
Thoughts and Prayers
My heartfelt condolences to the family in the loss of your beloveth Jay.
Jay was a wonderful classmate and I will forever remember his gentle spirit and contagious smile.
Rest in peace, my friend.
John 14:27
Park View Senior High School “Dragons”
Class of 1981
Thoughts & Prayers
Jay was in all my classes at Park View Senior High School. He was very friendly and always had an infectious smile. We shared great laughter & fun which made our classes more endurable. May the Holy Spirit comfort & keep family & friends during this difficult time 🙏🏼.
My condolences to all family members.
Linda and family. I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts n ta and prayers will be with you.
My condolences
I offer my heartfelt Sympathy to Connie, Hal and the rest of the family. I remember Jay well from Park View and was so sorry to hear of his passing.