Kenneth McCoy Crudup, 73, of Palm Coast, native of Louisburg, NC and son of Robert and Bearlene Crudup, was born on Monday, March 29, 1948.  He was educated in the Franklin County NC School district and a graduate of Gethsemane High School, Bunn, NC.  He initially studied Art for a brief stint at American College, but ultimately discovered his mission, therefore in 1966, he enlisted into the U. S. Marine Corp and served two years of active duty during the Vietnam War and subsequently in the U.S. Marine Reserves.  Before attaining an honorable discharge at Camp Lejeune, NC, LCpl. (E-3) Crudup earned several decorations, commendations and medals, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal w/one (1) star, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/device, and M-14 Rifle Sharpshooter Badge.

Kenneth loved to travel, so he decided to become a trucking entrepreneur.  For over 16 years, he drove semi-tractor trailers (18-wheelers) and traveled all over the continental United States!  After coming off the road, he relocated to Daytona Beach, FL and was dually employed by W.W. Truss Company as a Saw Operator (18 years) and Miller High Lite Brewing Company as a Warehouse Supervisor ( 21 years.)  After settling in in Daytona Beach, he met and fell in love with the love of his life, "Trish" or as he lovingly called her " Lil' Bit ."  In 1999, they were united in holy matrimony and together they celebrated 35 years, and for the past 21 years they shared 21 years of wedded bliss in Palm Coast.

An avid fisherman, he spent every free moment on the fish creek, intercoastal, or deep-sea fishing. If you incidentally caught him at home, he was watching westerns, cracking jokes, or in his man cave listening to his favorite blues tunes, hanging with friends and family. It brought him much joy when he was baking, grilling, or making his own "private label" special BBQ sauce. He constantly shared his wisdom and was sincere about taking care of his family. He truly loved his FAMILY.

He was a loyal husband, devoted father, caring grandfather, thoughtful brother, and the best uncle who dropped nuggets of knowledge about life to all who stopped by for a chat.  He was a calm, loving and respected man who is already dearly missed.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in eternal rest by his two sisters, Pattie Coffey and Carol Saunders; two brothers, Haywood "H.C." Clayton and Robert Crudup, Jr.; two brothers -in-law, Mack McCormick and James Coffey.

Kenneth peacefully entered the sunset of life on Friday, November 19, 2021 at AdventHealth Palm Coast.

Those who cherish the memories of his practices of daily living and beliefs: devoted wife, Viola "Trish" Crudup;  daughter, Tonya (Daniel) Evans, Spring Hope, NC; three sons, Otis (Pam) Gilyard, Palm Coast; Gregory Gilyard, Palm Coast; Marshwan (Ssoleey) Gilyard, Boston, MA; four sisters, Margie Clemons, Durham, NC; Alice (Walter) Dunn, Spring Hope, NC; Doris McCormick, Evergreen, NC; two brothers, Raeford (Bernice) Crudup, Bunn, NC; Charlie (Dorothy) Crudup, Bunn NC; ten grandchildren, Micheala, Garriel, Demetra, Danielle, Amelia, Ma'laya, G'Moni, Ashlyn, Otis Jr.,  and Jhene; three great- grandchildren, Kinsley, Malashia, and Landon;  close friend, Sim Gilyard III; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Following CDC Guidelines:  Visitation of family and friends will be 1-2 p.m., Saturday, November 27, with a Celebration of Kenneth's life commencing at 2 p.m., at Tabernacle of Deliverance Ministries, 407 W. Booe Street, Bunnell.  Reverend Dr. Nathaniel Brooks, pastor, is the eulogist.  Homegoing Celebration will be 1 p.m., Wednesday, December 1, at the Chapel of William Toney's Funeral Home, 216 E. Barbee Street, Zebulun, NC.  Interment: Crudup Family Cemetery, Bunn NC.  Online condolences: www.flaggserenitychapel.com .  Local arrangements are entrusted to the care of Karl N. Flagg Serenity Memorial Chapel, 2400 Madison Street, Palatka, Florida.