Donnie William Crum

Donnie William Crum,74, of Panacea, passed away peacefully at home with his family on March 26, 2024. Born and raised in Wakulla County, Donnie Crum graduated from the last class of Sopchoppy High School in 1968, where he was a talented football player. Crum went on to attend law enforcement classes including Lively Law Enforcement Academy in 1975 and attended Gulf Coast Junior College in 1980. Donnie Crum began working as an accomplished mason / bricklayer while he served on the Sheriff's Office Auxiliary in 1973. He worked for Wakulla County Sheriff's Office beginning as a Correctional Officer/Dispatcher, Deputy, Patrol Sergeant, Investigator, and Lieutenant. Crum continued his career as a Special Agent with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in domestic narcotics operations between 1985 and 1989, when he returned home to assume the position of Major, then Undersheriff of Wakulla County. The pinnacle of his career came when he was appointed Sheriff twice: Interim Sheriff by Gov. Charlie Crist, then as Sheriff by Florida Gov. Rick Scott in October 2011, where he served until his retirement in 2013. Crum was committed to his career as shown by the training and accolades received: Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by Coastal Optimist Club, Advanced Training Surveillance Techniques, Economic Crimes, and Florida Asset Forfeitures. He attended the Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute and became certified in the Investigation and Prosecution of Jamaican Gangs. Crum took part in programs with the United States Department of Justice as well as Diversified Training Programs. He was a proud member of the Florida Sheriff's Association, the Florida Intelligence Unit (F.I.U.) and a founding member of the extremely successful Big Bend Narcotics Task Force. This group of resolute undercover officers exposed hundreds of local drug smuggling operations for Wakulla and the surrounding counties. Crum’s unique skills as a law enforcement officer extended well beyond the borders of North Florida. His skill and reputation allowed him to take part in Operation Grouper, a two-year undercover infiltration of domestic, Latin American, and Caribbean Cartels resulting in the convictions of 100+ criminal defendants. Over the course of 38 years, Crum successfully worked his undercover prowess with local, state, and federal agencies--The Florida Marine Patrol, The U.S. Coast Guard, The Drug Enforcement Agency, and the U.S State Attorney’s Office which resulted in the seizure of drugs and money totaling millions. These operations led to the prosecution of hundreds of offenders and contributed to Crum’s lifelong and decorated law enforcement career. Donnie is thankful for being raised in a Christian home as the youngest of six children, by the late Henry & Rosa Lee Crum. He has been married to Alicia since 1989, and is blessed to have four children, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Despite significant health challenges, including being shot in the line of duty, Donnie Crum feels he would not have survived without the love of God and the support of his family. He will be remembered by his loving family wife of 34 years Alicia Crum, 4 children Candace Owens, Donovan Crum and his wife Holly, Carla Lunny and her husband Christopher & Natalie Crum, sister Mec Martin and her husband Frazier, 2 brothers Ronald Fred Crum and wife Eloise & Kenny Crum and wife Janie, 6 grandchildren Caroline Rose, Clara-Catherine, Jason, Justin, Kelsey & Hunter and 3 great grandchildren. Donnie is preceded in death by his parents Henry & Rosa Lee Crum and his brothers Glenwood Crum & Warren Crum. The family will receive friends on Friday, March 29, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 pm at Family Funeral Home/Harvey Young Chapel. Funeral Service will be Saturday, March 30, 2024, 11:00 am at Sopchoppy Southern Baptist. Skip & Trey Young along with Paula and Kimberly are caring and assisting the family with arrangements. 850-926-5919 Familyfhc.com

Donnie William Crum

July 8, 1949 - March 26, 2024