Ward Crutchfield
photo by Wes Schultz
William “Ward” Crutchfield, 88, of Chattanooga, passed away on Sunday, April 3, 2016.
Ward had a long life of public service as a Tennessee politician and former Democratic member of the Tennessee Senate for the 10th District, including Marion County and parts of Hamilton County from 1963-1967 and again from 1987-2007, during which he held the leadership role of Senate Majority leader during the 101st through 103rd General Assemblies. He was also a member of the Tennessee House of Representatives from 1957 to 1959 and 1961-1963.
Ward was a graduate of The McCallie School Class of 1946. He attended the University of Chattanooga (now the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga) and received a J.D. from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, College of Law, in 1951. He received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army. He served as a member of the Metropolitan Government Charter Commission as well as the acting attorney for Hamilton County and an attorney for the Hamilton County Board of Education.
Ward was known for his work in civil rights and the African American community. He brought the first African American onto the floor of the Tennessee General Assembly in the 1950s. It was noted when he brought C.B. Robinson onto the floor, Ward’s colleagues jeered at him and he even received death threats for supporting civil rights. To which, Ward said, “Get used to it. I’ll be bringing him back again.” C.B. Robinson went on to become a statesman himself, and served as a state representative for years.
This and many other anecdotes like it express Ward’s long career of public service.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Joan “Bunny” Crutchfield; two daughters, Candis Ward “Candy” Crutchfield Kinsey, married to Developer and former Chattanooga Mayor Jon Kinsey, and Margie Nel “Missy” Crutchfield; grandchildren Morgan Ward Kinsey, granddaughter, and James Ward Corn, grandson; niece Mary Louise “Weezy” Crutchfield and nephew Tom Crutchfield.
The family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, April 7, at Lane Funeral Home, Ashland Terrace with his service to follow at 6:30 p.m. with Richard Floyd officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Chattanooga Zoo.
Visit www.lanefh.com to share condolences.
Arrangements are by Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, 877-3524.