Johnny Wayne Crittenden

Johnny Wayne Crittenden (John) passed from this life April 15, 2025. He was the son of H.H. and Esther Crittenden of Gladewater, Texas. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was a friend to many.

John was a 1964 graduate of Gladewater High School. He later attended Kilgore College and University of Texas at Tyler. He worked as a student helper at Trailmobile, Inc. in Longview Texas from 1964-66. John served in the U.S. Army for the next two years, part of that time as Military Police. He rejoined Trailmobile, Inc. in 1968 where he was supervisor and general foreman. He joined Dorsey Trailers in Elba, Alabama as Plant Superintendent in 1979. John was promoted to the position of Manager of Manufacturing in 1988. The Elba plant was the flagship plant of Dorsey Trailers, one of the largest over-the-road trailer builders in the country. At the time, they manufactured over 4,500 trailers each year.

John worked in the trailer industry in Illinois, Oklahoma, and Ohio from 1989-1991 until eagerly returning to the Elba community that he loved so much. It was then that he worked with Williams Signs until his retirement. After retiring, he wanted to continue working and joined the Propane Gas Co. and later Ben E. Keith. He earned the Linchpin Award in 2022 and the 12th Man Award in 2023. These honors meant so much to him as hardworking efficiency continued to be top priority for his daily life.

John was a member of the Elba Church of Christ where he served as a deacon and church volunteer for many years. He had a strong bass singing voice. Singing church hymns was a highlight of his week. He also enjoyed the Wednesday morning men’s Bible study as it was a favorite time of learning and bonding friendships. He spoke often of the impact that group had on his life.

John was an avid tennis player as a young man and a lifelong fisherman. He could talk with lots of knowledge of boats and fishing techniques. A true passion! He loved cooking and feeding people. His meal preparations were something to see!

Over the years, friends and family were amazed at the number of times John performed life-saving measures and CPR on people, mostly strangers. He has come upon highway accidents, assisted workplace medical emergencies, and even saved a drowning swimmer. He never hesitated to jump into action. He always seemed to be “at the right place, at the right time.” His family always thought the Lord placed him where he was needed.

John’s dedication to his family was highly recognized. His devotion and care for his wife, Pam, of 55 years, was special to see. She would say that he made her feel special and gave her a sense of security and happiness from their first date. John’s mother, Esther Crittenden, referred to him as her “prince.” He made her feel special. His daughters, Stephanie and Cassie, thought of him as their very own Superman. He truly made this world a better place for them. John loved his grandchildren, known to them as “Papa John.” He taught his grandson, Woods, how to fish and took him on many fun trips to the Dairy Queen. His granddaughter, Willow Grace, loved going to Burger King for pancakes and wearing the crowns together. She will always remember his big smile, funny jokes, and the way he made her feel so loved. Joke-telling was something John thought he could do quite well. Pam and his daughters would disagree on that! His wife would have to rein him back in from time to time. That was fun to watch.

John truly loved people. If he knew your name and ever talked to you for a bit, he wanted the best for you.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Pamela Morris Crittenden, his parents, and his sister, Becky. He is survived by his daughters, Cassie Crittenden, Stephanie Crittenden Parrish (Greg), granddaughter, Willow Grace Parrish, all of Auburn, grandson, Woods Hollon Parrish of Atlanta, GA, sister, Laura Holder, brother James Crittenden, brother/sister-in-law Perry and Pat Morris Cowan, nieces and nephews, all of Texas.

Thank you to his Elba Church of Christ family and friends of the Elba community. Thank you to the staff at HCA Florida West Hospital of Pensacola, Southeast Hospital of Dothan, Enterprise Hospital, Elba Emergency Rescue, and the Elba Rehabilitation Center. Your care has been a blessing these past few months.

No service is scheduled at this time. Donations may be made to The Elba Food Bank, P.O. Box 269, Elba, Alabama 36323, In Memory of John Crittenden, who loved to feed people.