Ronald Crump

Celebration of Life
Ronald Hamilton Crump
Sunrise: 02-02-1941 Sunset: 02-08-2021

There is a void in our hearts today. Someone we loved has been taken away. Ronald Hamilton Crump undertook the triumph and jubilation of everlasting life and left behind his pain and suffering on February 8, 2021.
Ronald was born on February 2, 1941, in Duckettown, Maryland to the late Dorless Altalee Duckett. His father Clement Hamilton transitioned before he was born. Dorless married the late Oscar Isaac Crump and they raised Ronald in Beltsville, Maryland.
Ronald was educated in the Prince George’s County school system and graduated from Fairmount Heights High School in Capitol Heights, MD. He attended Maryland State College, which is now the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore on a Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Scholarship. He was an excellent student and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics. In 1959 Ronald was initiated into the Delta Nu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He was a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and participated in activities with the Kappa Epsilon Lambda Chapter in Prince George’s County until his health declined and his social activities were limited.
On September 23, 1962, Ronald joined the U.S. Air Force, as a Second Lieutenant and had many wonderful assignments. He dreamed of becoming a pilot and attended basic pilot training shortly after joining the Air Force. While in the Air Force he received many awards and accommodations including: Bronze Star Medal; Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Meritorious Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Air Force Commendation Medal; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two Oak Leaf Clusters; Armed Forces Reserve Medal; Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with four Oak Leaf Clusters; and the National Defense Service Medal. On November 30, 1982, Ronald retired from the Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel.
He married the love of his life, Barbara A. Benefield on June 22, 1963, and they had two wonderful children, Monita Rene and Reginald Hamilton. Barbara had been raised an “Army Brat” and enjoyed traveling with Ronald during his Air Force career. The family was blessed to live with Ronald in Gulfport, Mississippi; Dayton, Ohio; Wichita, Kansas; Wiesbaden, Germany; Thailand, and Andrews AFB. During their 57 years of matrimony, Ronald and Barbara raised a loving and devoted family, rooted in their Christian faith and strong values.
Ronald’s spiritual formation began at Queen’s Chapel UM Church in Beltsville, MD. He later joined Union Bethel A.M.E Church in Brandywine, Maryland where he served on the Finance Committee, Building Committee, Trustee Board and was one of the founding members of the Audio/Video Ministries. He also was a faithful driver for the Young People’s Division when they would go on various trips across the connection. After serving Union Bethel as a Trustee for more than 20 years, Ronald was granted the status of Trustee Emeritus.
After retirement, Ronald truly enjoyed his favorite activities cooking on the grill, fishing, gardening, watching TV and keeping up with his grandchildren. He always tried to engage in activities which would help others. He was a substitute teacher and often ran into students who would tell him how he had positively affected their lives. He was raised to Sublime Degree of Master Mason in the Charles H. Wesley Lodge #147, Prince Hall Affiliated, Free and Accepted Masons in Bowie, MD; he was a Past Master of the Charles H. Wesley Lodge #147 and an active member for 29 years. Ronald was a member of James A. Mingo Consistory #334 where he received his 32nd degree of Masonry. He was created a Shriner and a member of Tuwa Temple #228.
Ronald served as a father figure to many, loved to impart his wisdom and was always willing to give advice to anyone who needed help. His family, friends and faith meant everything to him and he believed that one should always share what they were blessed to have.
“If I tell you a Mosquito can pull a plow, hook him up” was Ronald’s favorite saying. He had many nicknames, Sweet Ronnie C, Dad, Daddy, Pop Pop, Big Tweet, Old Man, and Crump the Grump. Everyone that knew Ronald, knew his word was his bond.
Ronald leaves to cherish his memories, his loving wife Barbara; his devoted children Monita Crump-Sisco (Sam) and Reginald Crump, his wonderful grandchildren Samuel (Tucker) Sisco II, Shane Sisco, Sterling Sisco, Shamelle Sisco Tarver (Garcia), Rian Crump, Reginald Crump II, Joel Crump and Savannah Washington; great-grandchildren Gabrian Tarver and Genesis Tarver; cousin Pamela Oliphant and a host of other family and friends.

Until We Meet Again
We Think About You Always,
we talk about you still.
You have never been forgotten,
and you never will.
We hold you close within our hearts,
and there you will remain.
To walk and guide us through our lives,
until we meet again.

Click this link to view additional details about Ronald's Services, including any available live streams: https://my.gather.app/remember/ronald-crump