Popular Retired

Official Honored

With A Plaque,

His Own 'Day'

ByTOM YANCEY

Staff Writer

The Greene County Commission honored Ray Crum, who retired recently as the county's medical examiner and emergency management director, doing so with a plaque and a standing ovation Monday.

County Mayor Alan Broyles presented the plaque, after reading it aloud.

It said, "As many of the citizens of Greene County know, Ray Crum always went far beyond the call of duty when fulfilling his obligations to those he served.

"When acting as medical investigator, he cared deeply for the individuals and families involved. Ray went the extra mile in making sure every person was treated kindly, with dignity and compassion, even to the extent of attending the funerals of the deceased and comforting their families."

Broyles noted that in the 1970's, Crum was active in the Greeneville Emergency & Rescue Squad as a volunteer and served two terms as captain.

He became an Emergency Medical Technician and went to work for the Greene County-Greeneville Emergency Medical Services as an Emergency Medical Technician.

In 1986, Crum was named the part-time director of the Emergency Management Agency by the Greene County Commission while continuing his full-time job with Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

In 1991 he was named EMA's full-time director and continued in that capacity until the end of 1999, while also serving as medical investigator, working closely with the medical examiner, a physician.

He continued in that post until his retirement June 30.

The proclamation noted that he and his wife, Aileen, are the parents of David Crum and Pamela Huff and grandparents of Steven and Hannah Huff.

Crum's former duties are now divided among five people.

Broyles noted that "Ray Crum's shoes are difficult to fill. He is a friend to all of those who have worked with him throughout the years and has been a loyal, hardworking employee for Greene County."

Broyles declared Monday, Aug. 18, to be David Ray Crum day in Greene County.

"We really appreciate what you've done" over the years, Broyles said, "and all of Greene County wishes you many happy, successful days" ahead.

Because of the heavy agenda, Broyles asked Crum, who is well-known for his stories, to save them for another time.

Crum appeared moved by the occasion, but recovered his usual good humor quickly enough to say that he knew enough stories about Broyles to make the meeting very interesting. "I could burn him alive," Crum said of Broyles, as both men smiled at each other and the audience laughed.

Crum turned serious again to note that he decided to retire early after learning in May that his wife has cancer.

Holding up the plaque, Crum turned to the commission and said, "Thank you. I love you."