After a courageous battle with cancer, Johnny Ray Crowell died peacefully on Wednesday, August 14, 2024. He was born on May 19, 1963.
Throughout his life, he found great joy in fishing, golfing, and hunting, often reveling in the beauty of nature. However, it was through music that he was truly able to express himself.
He was a rock star in every sense of the word, captivating those around him with his incredible talent on the guitar. He would never agree with anyone on that point, but it was always clear that music was not just a passion but a way of life, as natural to him as the air he breathed.
It was through music and his dedication to the bands he performed with – Killatar, Whitewater, and Black Out Betty – that he formed so many lifelong friendships. It was even through music that he found the love of his life, Patti.
He shared 34 incredible years with her, building a life full of love, laughter, and adventure. Whether they were playing music together, taking spontaneous weekend trips, or simply enjoying each other’s company, John and Patti created countless memories that will be cherished forever.
His love for Patti was matched only by his pride in his children and grandchildren, who were the heart of his world. Whether fishing with his youngest grandson, playing guitar with his oldest, singing with his daughters, being goofy with his granddaughters, or cheering at games, his greatest joy was just being a part of their lives, encouraging their dreams, and sharing his passions.
He was known by friends and family alike to have an uncanny ability to fix just about anything you brought him – everything from broken appliances to broken hearts. If you wanted a project brought to life, John was your guy.
Even his imperfections were part of what made him so loved. His sense of humor, inventiveness, and stubborn spirit defined who he was.
His family often joked that his stubbornness was a “Crowell family trait,” but it was that very stubbornness that carried him through his long, courageous battle with cancer, as he fought until the very end.
As strong and unwavering as everything he ever built or mended, he was deeply loved as a husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend.
He may no longer be with us but his love, his spirit, and his music will forever play on in the hearts of all who knew him.
A celebration of Johnny’s life will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 14, at Glenn Golf in Willows. Please come as you are and wear your favorite band tee if you have one.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to his wife’s garden, in tribute of Johnny’s love for the outdoors and his enduring devotion to her, with whom he shared a lifetime of love and music.
The Glenn County Observer 