Jeff Adams Crow's Obituary
Jeff Adams Crow, Jr., 69, passed away peacefully and surrounded by his immediate family on Thursday morning, February 28th, 2019. Jeff is survived by his wife of almost 32 years, Paula; his children, daughter Taylor Soutiere (and her husband Derek Soutiere) of Houston, TX, and his son Adam Crow (and Kelsey Nelon) of Dallas, TX; his grandchildren, Genevieve and McLain Soutiere; and his beloved dog and partner-in-crime, Jackie. He now joins his father, Jeff Adams Crow, Sr, and his mother, Carolyn Strother Crow (both of Elaine, AR) in heaven. Jeff was born in Helena, Arkansas on December 18, 1949 and raised a few miles down the road in Elaine. Raised on a farm, he quickly learned the value of hard work and enjoyed simple pleasures like flying “treetop high” in the family’s crop duster plane. He graduated valedictorian from Elaine High School and went on to attend Rhodes College (Class of ‘71) in Memphis, where his love affair with this city began. He only left it once, to earn his Doctor of Jurisprudence at the University of Tennessee – Knoxville (Class of 1973). He swiftly returned to Memphis and concentrated in the areas of personal injury, criminal defense, workers compensation and medical malpractice. He earned several accolades and honors during his career, including being admitted in 1974 to the U.S. District Court-Western District of TN, arguing a case in the U.S. Supreme Court in 1988, chosen as a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum (honoring top trial lawyers in America), and he was featured on major news networks, most notably the oldest and most-watched newsmagazine 60 Minutes. Jeff retired from his practice after serving the Memphis community for over 35 years. Outside of his law career, Jeff remained devoted and committed to serving his fraternity, Kappa Sigma. His service to Kappa Sigma spanned several decades, including a 5-year run as their National Worthy Grand Treasurer from 2003-2005. He met many of his closest friends thru Kappa Sigma, and he still maintained that one of his proudest moments was when his son was initiated in their Xi chapter at the University of Arkansas. Despite his many career successes, Jeff was most devoted to his family. Paula was the love of his life, and he found great joy in doing everything possible for his children. Much of his spare time was spent planning grand experiences, including elaborate trips to Europe and the Caribbean. When he wasn’t traveling, he enjoyed fine meals and smoking cigars. He was an avid wine collector and curated a vast collection of rare red wines. He loved assigning his wines to commemorate special events, his favorite being a vintage Chateau Margaux reserved for his daughter’s wedding. Jeff was a memorable and special soul and will be missed by many. He had a special zest for life and was a courageous fighter til the very end. His family finds comfort in their many memories of him. Family, friends and those whose lives Jeff touched are invited to celebrate his life this weekend. Visitation will be held from 5-7pm on Saturday, March 2nd, and a service will be held at 2pm Sunday, March 3rd. Both events will take place at Memorial Park Funeral Home at 5668 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN 38119. Jeff will be buried in a private ceremony in Helena, AR on Monday, March 4th. He will rest in peace eternally next to his parents. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his name to the American Breast Cancer Foundation or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation..
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