John Andrew "Andy" Crumpton, loving son and brother, was called home on January 7, 2025, at the age of 39.

Born in Hattiesburg, Miss., on December 2, 1985, Andy was the eldest child of Keith and Beth Crumpton. An immediate joy to his family, Andy was inquisitive and curious from birth, learning everything he could and sharing everything he knew with those around him. His mother said should could not remember a time when he did not talk.

Andy was active in Scouting throughout adolescence, eventually earning the rank of Eagle Scout. In high school, he was on the quiz bowl team, an officer in the DECA club (earning a spot in national competition every year he was a member), and a writer on the newspaper staff. He was awarded the Woodmen of the World History award for outstanding proficiency of American history. He attended The University of Southern Mississippi as a Luckyday Scholar, awarded to exemplary students who are involved in their communities. He was an initiated member of the Zeta Chi chapter of Delta Tau Delta and served as recruitment chair.

Andy knew the answer to almost any trivia question and was enthusiastic about sharing his passions and knowledge with those around him. He always had a story to tell, whether about something new he had learned or the latest restaurant he'd discovered. He enjoyed cooking and sharing meals with those he loved. He knew at least a little bit about everything and could talk to anyone about anything, whether contemplating philosophies of life or sharing its lighthearted joys.

He was an avid sportsman and conservationist and had a deep love of wild places. He felt equally at home both in the woods and on the water. He found rest and restoration in nature. He was fervent reader and often gave books as gifts, taking great care to make a selection that would be treasured by its recipient.

If you were lucky enough to laugh with him you never forgot it. His presence was a warm embrace to those fortunate enough to know his kindness and love. He provided a wealth of affection and treasured memories to everyone he met. Andy was the most dedicated, loving son and friend. He was a proud big brother to his sisters, and a doting uncle to his two nephews. For the rest of their days, and with an endless joy, they will hold him close with a thankful heart.

He is preceded in death by his mother Beth Crumpton, grandfathers Jerry L. Yeager and Gerald Crumpton, great-grandparents B.J. and Merle Craft and John and Myrtle Glaze.

He is survived by his father Keith Crumpton, sisters Brooke Carkeet (Chris) and Catherine Wicker, nephews Bennett Wicker and Andrew Carkeet (named in honor of Andy), grandmothers Nicki Yeager and Betty Nygren.

Family and friends will celebrate the life of Andy Crumpton at Raleigh United Methodist Church in Raleigh, Miss., on Monday, Jan. 13, with visiting hours from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and the funeral service to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Delta Tau Delta Educational Foundation or the Mississippi Book Festival. His family encourages those who knew him to gift books as often as they can to whomever they can as much as they can in his memory.