Ralph Edwin Crowe, Jr., 75, of Millen, Georgia, died Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Piedmont Hospital of Augusta following an extended illness.

A native of Jenkins County, Ralph graduated from Jenkins County High School in 1967. He then attended college for a time before settling in Atlanta and graduating from Gupton-Jones School of Mortuary Science. In the mid '70s, Ralph returned home to join the staff with his father, Ralph Crowe, Sr., Robert Fields, Jr., and Phil Cowart at Fletcher Funeral Home. Ralph later became President and Co-Owner of Crowe – Fields Funeral Home where he served the community of Millen for the rest of his life.

Upon his return to Millen, Ralph soon married Sara Anne Brinson, and they began their life together upstairs at the funeral home. Upon the birth of their son in 1979, they then moved to their present home where they welcomed their daughter in 1983 and have resided for 44 years. During this time, Ralph pursued many interests including golf, earning his private pilot's license, computers, NASCAR racing, baking, and traveling with his wife, children, and many friends.

Over the years, Ralph has been a member of several civic and service organizations including the Masons of Georgia – Screven Lodge #248, Rotary Club of Millen, Jenkins County Board of Education, and Millen Methodist Church where he chaired and served on many different committees.

Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Sara "Sally" Brinson Crowe; son, Ralph Edwin "Wynn" Crowe, III (Kimberly); daughter, Anna Crowe Burch (Charlie); five grandchildren, Ralph "Edwin" Crowe, IV, Phoebe Crowe, and Eleanor Crowe of Elberton, GA, and Mildred "Millie Kate" Burch and Charlotte Burch of Millen, GA; two sisters, Rebeckah "Becky" Mims of Hephzibah, GA, and Mary Crowe of Grovetown, GA; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Edwin Crowe, Sr. and Kathryn Tuttle Crowe as well as his brother, John David Crowe.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 31, at Millen Methodist Church with Rev. John Drake, Rev. Tim Fields, and Rev. Butch Taylor officiating. Burial services will follow at Millen Cemetery. Visitation will be held Monday, December 30, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Crowe – Fields Funeral Home.

Active Pallbearers: Edwin Crowe, Charlie Burch, Bob Fields, Tim Fields, Brian Fields, and Scott Herrmann

Honorary Pallbearers: Thursday Night Card Players, JCHS Class of 1967, Associate Funeral Directors

Memorials may be made to the Masonic Home of Georgia, P.O. Box 6637, Macon, GA 31294-9761 or to Millen Methodist Church, P.O. Box 750, Millen, GA 30442.