On Thursday August 12, 1948 Richard Louis Crimes was born in Huntsville, Alabama in Madison County to the late George Henry Crimes and Mary Francis Moore Crimes. Richard was preceded in death by his brother, Russell Crimes and daughter, Francine D. Crimes-Malone.

Richard began his early childhood life in Chicago, Illinois and later returned to Huntsville, Alabama where he attended Cavalry Hill Junior High School and William Hooper Councill High School. He was a graduate of Huntsville High School and attended Alabama A&M University.

Richard developed an interest in music at an early age. While attending Alabama A&M University he majored in music. He played several instruments flute, oboe, clarinet, alto saxophone, but his instrument of choice was tenor saxophone. He did some writing and arranging while laughing and stroking the keyboard. He had an ear for music, excellent saxophonist. He had the opportunity to play with James Brown and the Famous Flames but he chose his wife and family instead.

He began his career at the Parker Hannifin Corporation in 1970. Shortly after he was drafted by the United States Army where he was deployed to Vietnam to protect and serve his country. Upon the completion of his deployment, he returned to AAMU and attained his Bachelor's of Science in Business and proceeded with his employment for 32 years at Parker Hannifin where he retired in 2002.

While employed at Parker Hannifin one of Richard's responsibilities was to learn and use different computer applications. He attended The University of Alabama in Huntsville and completed several certification programs to prefect his skill set. He studied Graphic Design and Multimedia Production. He used these skills to produce videos, design and maintain websites.

Since retirement, Richard enjoyed photography and being a videographer. He was a historian for his family and several organizations within the community. Richard was well known for his historian role in the Vietnam Veteran of America Huntsville Chapter 1067 and William Hooper Councill Alumni Association. When called upon he was ready to capture all memorable moments - he never said "No". He became a member of The Tennessee Valley Jazz Society.

Richard accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and joined Union Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. He was a dedicated member, never missed a Sunday. He was Coordinator and Co-coordinator of the Watch Care Ministry, a member of the Veterans Ministry, and he did some writing and arranging for the music ministry.

Richard has touched many lives. He was a gentle man, he was kind, quiet, humble, compassionate, thoughtful, considerate of others, a man of integrity, and a man of few words.

Richard loved his family and was loved by his family.

Richard leaves to cherish his memory: his wife of 54 years, Ethelene Crimes; one son, Terence Crimes of Huntsville, AL; two grandchildren, Ashlee Crimes and Darnell Grant, Jr.; two great granddaughters, Nevaeh Fletcher and Aniyah Wherry; one brother, Ashford Crimes; six brothers-in-law, Roosevelt (Emma L) Watkins; William Watkins, Leroy Watkins, Robert Watkins, all of Huntsville, AL; Horace Watkins of Indianapolis IN; sister-in-law, Sulla Cumming of Indianapolis, IN; one aunt, Isabella Toney of Madison, AL; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends.

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Funeral service for Mr. Richard Louis Crimes will be Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. at Nelms Memorial Funeral Home Chapel.  Interment will follow in Valhalla Memory Gardens.