Bernard Raymond Crowder, Jr.

Bernard R. "Baby Chick" Crowder, Jr., 87, of Matoaca, VA, went to meet his Lord and Savior on May 4, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. Born on January 27, 1935 and raised in Matoaca, VA, he was the son of the late Bernard "Chick" and Blanche Kersey Crowder; and was also preceded in death by a son, Bernard R. "Scrappy" Crowder III; and three brothers, Donald Crowder (Alma), Billy Crowder, and Gilbert Crowder. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Lois Geanette Perkinson Crowder; brother, Charles "Foots" Crowder (Juanita); one sister-in-law, Joan Crowder; a son, Kermit "Knuck" Crowder (Cathy); one daughter, Deborah Crowder Franciscus (Marty); daughter-in-law, Cindy Davis Crowder; six grandchildren, Jamie Patten (Michael), Jason Crowder (Sherri), Brandon Franciscus, Bradley Franciscus (Crystal), Courtney Ewick (Thor) and Catlin Crowder (Brandon); ten great-grandchildren, Savannah, Blain, Braydon, Breanna, Makinlee, Parker, Chase, Banks, Levi and Bodie; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Baby Chick was a lifelong member of Matoaca United Methodist Church, where he had served faithfully as a deacon and had sung in the choir. His faith in the Lord was strong, and he loved his church family and friends dearly. Baby Chick was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a founding member of Rainy Days Hunt Club and the Matoaca Sportsman Club, and he spent many days fishing the rivers and Chesapeake Bay with his family. His hands built houses and so many things for his family and friends, and he was so happy to do anything for anyone to help, always smiling. We as a family could not have asked for a better husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather or friend, we will miss him and treasure the memories he gave us. As the Good Lord called him home, his beautiful purple martins flew in all at once to serenade his journey. "There will never be another Baby Chick Crowder." A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at Matoaca United Methodist Church, 6301 River Rd. South Chesterfield, VA 23803. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Matoaca United Methodist Church in memory of Bernard R. Crowder, Jr. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .