David Lee Crume, 69, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many, was called to his eternal resting place on October 27, 2022. He entered this world on December 10, 1952 in Artesia, New Mexico, born to Charles and Billie Ruth Crume.
He is survived by his spouse of 48 years Deborah Crume; daughter Candice Crume, grandson Ryland David Dye, and brother John Crume. David moved to Orlando, Florida when he was 14 years of age and graduated from Edgewater High School in 1970. David became a successful businessman and an accomplished high-performance engine builder with over 50 years in the Drag Racing and Stock Car Racing industries after being mentored by Roger Vinci, Wade Nicholson and Bo Laws, to name a distinct few. His wife and daughter were a key part of his crew at the many drag racing events that he competed in. Some of his life’s highlights were winning the 1988 Gator Nationals in stock eliminator and Bobby Hamilton winning the Pole position with David’s motor at the Martinsville Nascar Truck Series race on September 20, 1996. In September 2000 there was an article about David in Stock Car Racing magazine about his expertise in engine building for a local long-time racer, David Rogers. David also won numerous events in his drag racing career including Southern Nationals in Atlanta, Citrus Nationals in Pompano Beach, Snowbird Nationals in Bradenton, and Bristol Drag way in Bristol, Tennessee. David also worked at Air Gator for several years building Lycoming engines for airboats.
David particularly enjoyed spending time with his grandson including going to the Fun Spot attraction where they raced go carts. Ryland is very competitive just like his Papaw and Ryland’s mom, Candice is quite competitive as well. David was most widely known for his great sense of humor, which will be greatly missed.