Walter “Walt” Richard Crowder, 65, of Cornelia, Georgia died unexpectedly on Sept. 9, 2025.

Born Feb. 6, 1960, in Demorest, Georgia, Crowder was the first born to Jeannette Grist Crowder and the late Alexander Murray Crowder. As a young man he loved the great outdoors; Crowder enjoyed hiking, rock climbing and had a profound love for scouting. He was heavily involved with Clarkesville, Georgia's, Troop 5, earning scouting's highest honors of Eagle Scout; member of Order of the Arrow, an honorary society of the Boy Scouts of America; and Lodge Chief of MOWOGO Lodge. Crowder also had a love for music and was an avid reader. He was known to be able to name songs and artists for most genres.

Upon graduating from Habersham Central High School, Crowder attended Young Harris College in Young Harris, Georgia, receiving his Associate of Science degree with a concentration in business. Furthering his education, Crowder attended Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, earning a double major in marketing and finance with honors from the Goizueta Business School in 1982.

Crowder and the love of his life, Kathy Perry Crowder, were married on June 19, 1982. They began careers in the Atlanta area and resided in Decatur, Georgia, for almost 40 years where they raised their two boys.

His career path took him from an electronics buyer at Macy's to successfully owning his own audio/visual company, Dynamic Entertainment Systems (DES). After selling DES, Crowder ventured into the industry of print and office technology, focusing in channel sales and business development where he has remained for almost 20 years.

In 2020, Crowder's path brought him back to his birthplace, Habersham County. His passion for community involvement landed Crowder on the Board of Trustees at Piedmont University in Demorest, Georgia, and also on the National Board of Foxfire in Rabun County, preserving the history of Appalachian life in northeast Georgia. Recently appointed to the Executive Board of the Northeast Georgia Council of Boy Scouts of America, Crowder served as this year's fundraising chair for the 27-county region, supporting 12,000 scouts. He was also very instrumental in putting together a plan to renovate the historic Troop 24 scout hut in Cornelia, Georgia.

A life so fully lived and loved, Crowder will be remembered as a loving husband, a father larger than life, a loyal friend and a mentor to many. The energy, laughter and inspiration that his presence brought to every interaction will be missed by all.

Walter is survived by his mother, Jeannette Crowder Church (Buck) of Clarkesville; mother-in-law Lillian Franklin Perry of Mt. Airy, Georgia; beloved wife, Kathy Perry Crowder of Cornelia, Georgia; sons, Alexander Perry Crowder of Cornelia; and Cody Walter Crowder of Clarkesville; sisters Alice Ariail (Eddy) of Clarkesville; and Katy Coker (Ron) of Clarkesville; brother-in-law Ronnie Perry (Gay) of Clarkesville; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Alexander Murray Crowder of Clarkesville, and father-in-law, Floyd Earnest Perry of Mt. Airy.

Memorial services are scheduled for 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, in the chapel of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until the service hour. A celebration of life will follow at the Cornelia Community House.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Boy Scouts of America or the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com.

McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (Phone: [706] 778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.