Dr. Paul A. Crow, Jr.

The Rev. Dr. Paul A. Crow, Jr., a distinguished leader in the worldwide Ecumenical movement, passed away on January 23, 2021 at the age of 89.  Dr. Crow was born in Birmingham, AL on November 17, 1931 to parents, Beulah (Parker) and Paul A. Crow, Sr.  He graduated from Lanett High School (AL) and went on to earn a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Alabama, a BD from the Lexington Theological Seminary and a S.T.M and Ph.D. from the Hartford Seminary.  Post-Doctoral study took him to Oxford University, the Ecumenical Institute of Bossey and the University of Geneva.  Dr. Crow was an ordained minister of the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ and had a career that included congregational ministry; Professor of Church History; General Secretary, Consultation on Church Union and President, Council on Christian unity.  His literary life included six books and over 300 articles and chapters.

For thirty years, he served in various aspects of the World Council of Churches: as a member of the Faith and Order Commission, The Central Committee and Moderator of the Ecumenical Institute of Bossey.  Among renowned church leaders, he gave broad, distinguished and passionate leadership to the Ecumenical movement.  The unity of Christ’s Church was his “polar star” and tradition.

Paul was a passionate Alabama football fan, avid book collector and worldwide traveler.  Paul’s biggest joys and accomplishments were his family.  He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Mary Matthews Crow, whom he married on September 11, 1955; children, Carol Crow Phillips (Jay), Stephen Paul Crow (Brigitte) and Susan Crow Jones; grandchildren: Joshua Phillips (Kasey), Laura Forsman (Andrew), Jacob Phillips (J. Nichole), Tyler Crow (Amber), Lori Hill (Ken), MacKenzie Jones and Alexander Jones; great-grandchildren: Gwyn, Tyler, Mylan, William, Reverie, Killian, Aubrey, Corbin, Colin, Remy, Evelyn, Cyrus, Addelyn, and Kennedy; one step-sister, Vivi Anne Johnson; and many other loving extended family members and beloved friends.  He was beloved by all as Granddaddy.

Graveside services will be held privately on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at Crown Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Paul’s memory to Northwood Christian Church by clicking HERE or the Alzheimer’s Association by clicking HERE.