Joe Bartow Crews

Joe B. Crews, age 90, of Macclenny, Florida went to his heavenly home on September 10, 2024 after a brief illness. A lifelong resident of Baker County, Joe was born on July 22,1934 to the late Joseph Gordon and Annie Dugger Crews. After graduating from Macclenny High School In 1952, Joe began working as a pipefitter and was a proud member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 234 for 65 years. The majority of his career Joe was employed by W.W. Gay Mechanical Contractors. Joe married the love of his life, Betty L. Cowart on July 3, 1954. Together they raised five children and were blessed to celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary in July of this year. As a lifelong resident of Baker County, Joe was very involved in his community as a public servant. In addition to his career as a pipefitter, Joe was elected to the Baker County School Board in 1971 and served 20 years as a school board member. Joe was also an avid hunter and outdoorsman. He especially enjoyed the numerous Colorado hunting trips he made with close friends. His skill and marksmanship is evident by his mounted trophies. His love of hunting also led him to be a hunters safety instructor for several years in the 70’s and 80’s. Joe enjoyed watching Gator football, Tampa Bay Rays baseball, and NASCAR. After Joe’s retirement he enjoyed the hobby of beekeeping. He took great pride in producing quality honey. His golden smooth honey brought customers from neighboring towns where they often bought it at his “honor system” honey stand. He fondly became known as The Honey Man. Joe was a dedicated member of the Macclenny Church of God where he served and worshiped for many years. His years of Christian service included singing in a quartet known as “The Rochesters”. In recent years he was a member of Christian Fellowship Temple where he attended with several family members. But his greatest joy was when he and Betty were surrounded by their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren sharing a home cooked meal. Joe was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Pamela Marcella Crews. Joe is survived by his loving wife, Betty L. Crews, his daughter Joni Wright, son Joey (Kathy) Crews,daughter Cami (Dan) Shackelford and son, Chris (Mandy) Crews all of Macclenny. He had eleven grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. A celebration of Joe’s life will be held Friday, September 13, 2024 at 2:00pm at Christian Fellowship Temple with Pastor Timmy Thomas officiating. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Arrangements are under the care of Guerry Funeral Home.