Robert "Bob" Boyce Crowder, age 78, passed away at his home in Murfreesboro, TN on October 3rd 2015. Mr. Crowder, a native of Jackson County, TN, was preceded in death by his father, Luther Freeman Crowder, his mother, Ruby Louise Hix Crowder, and first wife, Sylvia Snow Crowder. Mr. Crowder is survived by his wife of 35 years, Laurie Jean Walton Crowder; son, Frank Lansing Crowder and daughter-in-love, Ashley McCabe Crowder; brother, Donald Edward Crowder and his wife Deane of Murfreesboro, TN, and two sisters, Judith Ann Crowder Watkins and her husband Kenneth of Maryville, TN, and Marilyn Sue Crowder Slagle and her husband, James of Tucson, Arizona; 5 nephews, 3 nieces, and several great-nephews and nieces. Mr. Crowder was a life-long member of the Church of Christ and most recently identified with North Boulevard West in Murfreesboro. He was educated at Westmoreland High School and achieved a master's degree from MTSU. He served as principal at Mitchell-Neilson Elementary for 32 years. During his tenure at MNE, Mr. Crowder was a past president of MEA, active in the initial integration of the school system, was a mentor to many student teachers and served as a frequent visiting evaluator for the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges. In collaboration with MTSU, Mr. Crowder helped develop the Outdoor Education Program at Land Between the Lakes. He was the first principal to take sixth grade students to this weeklong adventure. All other schools in the system and many other systems in the State of Tennessee followed. The program in its original form continued for many years. He welcomed severely disabled children into the mainstream of his school long before it was required by law and was always open to other innovative programs especially in science, math and the arts. Well known for his compassion, patience and quiet humor, Mr. Crowder had a special talent for working well with adults as well as students. He was truly a teachers' principal and a loving child advocate. In earlier years Bob had done some farming, owned a service station, worked on telephone poles, was a butcher, mechanic, and sold insurance. While living part-time on his own houseboat, he had his own business moving houseboats in and out of water. As needed he even drove school buses for the City Schools while serving as principal. He served in the Air National Guard and was a former member of the Kiwanis Club and the Murfreesboro Hot Rod Club. A devoted husband and father, Bob loved camping and boating with his family, including his dogs. He was an avid fisherman, master gardener and enjoyed stock car races and music concerts with his wife. However, just being home together was one of their greatest pleasures. Visitation will be at Woodfin Memorial Chapel on Monday, October 5th, 2015 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Funeral Service will be on Tuesday, October 6th, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. with burial to follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Brother Robb Glenn will officiate. Pallbearers will be family and friends.