Mr. Bennie Fay Crump, 81 of Crumps Road, Hartwell, passed away Monday, March 20, 2017 at his home.Born on September 4, 1935 in Hartwell GA, he was the son of the late Coy E. Crump and Ethel G. McAbee Crump.After graduation from Hart County High School in 1954, Mr. Crump served in the United States Army until 1957, and continued his service with the U.S. Army Reserve until 1963. On July 1, 1959, Bennie married the love of his life, Charlotte Crittendon. After living briefly in Washington, D.C., they made their permanent home in Hartwell where he worked as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service until his retirement in 1991.Together he and Charlotte purchased the S & W Diner in the early 70s, which they owned and operated until Charlotte's retirement in 1994.In his retirement, Bennie maintained a very busy daily schedule scanning the Jockey Lot, surplus stores, and area auctions in search of bargains, allowing him to expand his collection of wonderful junk that included rusty tractors, broken lawnmowers and old restaurant equipment.

He is survived by his wife, Charlotte Crittendon Crump; his son, Steve Crump (wife, Stephanie); his daughter, Sharon Smith (husband, Ricky); four grandchildren, Wesley Smith (wife, Sarah), Kristi Smith, Lacey Crump (fiancée, James Gordon), and Ethan Crump; two great-grandchildren, Peyton and Caroline Smith; and one brother, Larry "Gene" Crump (wife, Helen).Mr. Crump was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Jerry Roger Crump.

A memorial service celebrating Bennie's life will be held on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. at the Hartwell Church of God with Rev. Lonnie Bennett officiating.

The family will receive friends following the service on Wednesday.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 41 Perimeter Center East, Suite 550, Atlanta, GA 30346.

The Strickland Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hartwell is in charge of all arrangements.