Mr. Elder Murel Crudup Jr. age 68, of Rockwood, TN transitioned into the presence of Jesus on June 26, 2026 in Knoxville, TN. He was born on August 3, 1957 to Murel Dogan Crudup and Ellen Eubanks Crudup in Pontotoc, Mississippi. Elder was always joyful. In high school he was voted “Most Spirited” and helped the Rockwood Tigers football team win the state championship in 1976. He started work at Union Carbide in 1978 as a security guard for Y-12.

Murel was always selfless, loving, kind, gentle, God-fearing, and a true gentleman, husband, stepdad, brother, and friend. He met the love of his life and married on October 10, 2009, at Victory Temple Church/ Woody Martin Ministries by Prophet Woody Martin, where he served as Elder of His church until he passed away peacefully in his sleep with his wife by his side following a very long illness. He leaves a legacy of love, joy, and faith.

He was preceded in death by his father: Murel Crudup; mother: Ellen Crudup; brothers: Eudean and Rufus Floyd; brother-in-law: Michael Fine; sisters: Modessa and Alma, and stepdaughter: Bretanie Davis.

He is survived by:

Spouse: Teresa Diane Newby Crudup

Mother-in-law: Margaret Fine

Stepdaughters: Tebryia LaDue of Niceville, FL

Breanna Mesker (Jerry) of Rockwood, TN

Deishan Kennedy (Ben) of Virginia

Nine Grandchildren: Kyle, Leyanna, Taylor, Noah, Lee Michael, Seana, Owen, Everley, and Ava

Sisters-in-law: Vickie Alderman (Brad) of Alma Center, WI

Kristy Fine Davis (Joshua) of Roane County, TN

Wendy Jory of North Carolina

Sister: Marlene Summerall of Rockwood, TN

Renee Reed of Rockwood, TN

Wanda King of Lenoir City, TN

Linnie Fayissa (Bichaka) of Murfressboro, TN

Lottie Richardson of Knoxville, TN

Along with a host of nieces, great-nieces, nephews, great-nephews, cousins, loved ones, friends, and neighbors.

At Elder Murel’s request, he is being cremated, and a celebration of life will be help at Victory Temple Church at 306 E. Broadway St., Lenoir City, TN 37771 beginning at 2:00 pm on Friday, July 3, 2026 with Pastor Woody Martin officiating. Evans Mortuary is honored to serve the family of Mr. Elder Murel Crudup, Jr.