Everett Smith McCrum, age 88, of Brownwood passed away Monday, January 6, 2020, at 1 a.m. in Brownwood.
Graveside Services for Everett will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 11, 2020, at Greenleaf Cemetery with Rev. Carol M. Roberts and Rev. Pat McClatchy officiating.
Visitation will be held Friday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. at Blaylock Funeral Home. Arrangements are under the direction of Blaylock Funeral Home of Brownwood.
Everett was born to Henry Smith and Amanda Odessa (Brown) McCrum on August 6, 1931, in Brownwood. During his early years, he enjoyed working in his family’s small grocery store on Fisk Avenue. After graduating as Valedictorian from Brownwood High School, class of 1948, Everett attended Daniel Baker College from 1948 to 1950. He received his B.B.A degree (with honors) from the University of Texas at Austin and a J.D. degree from UT Law School and did post-graduate law school study in corporate finance. He was President of Alpha Kappa Psi (professional business fraternity) and Dean of the Delta Theta Psi Law Fraternity.
Everett began his legal career with Shell Oil Co. in Midland (1955-1963). In 1963, he joined Mobil Oil Corp. in Midland and was Assistant Division Attorney. He then served as Senior Attorney in Houston (1972-76) and became a Director of Mobil Oil Southeast in New Orleans (1976-86). From 1986 to 1988, when he retired from Mobil, he was the General Counsel of Mobil Producing Texas and New Mexico in Houston.
After retiring, he was a part-time oil and gas legal consultant. He was licensed to practice law in both Texas and Louisiana and was an active member of the State Bar of Texas and Louisiana, the American Bar Association, and the American Judicature Society. He served as Vice President and as Secretary of the Midland County Bar Association and in New Orleans was Legal Chairman for the Offshore Operators Group (1985-86). During 1986-88, Everett was Legal Committee Chairman for the Texas Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association and served as Mobil’s representative to Southern Governor’s Conference.
He served as President of the Board of Trustees of the Brownwood Public Library for 7 years and past President of the Brownwood Rotary Club. He was a Junior Rotarian while growing in Brownwood and was a member of the Rotary Club during his time in Houston and New Orleans. In 1995, he was honored as Distinguished Alumnus of Daniel Baker College.
Everett and his wife, Betty, were married on April 26, 1958, at First United Methodist Church in Midland. Everett grew up as a member of Central United Methodist Church in Brownwood. Everett and Betty have been active members of Central since returning to Brownwood. He served on numerous church committees including: Chairman of the Board of Trustees and the Finance Committee, as a well as the Methodist District Board. Everett taught adult Sunday School classes in Midland, Houston, and Brownwood for many years and often delivered sermons during the pastors absence.
Everett enjoyed playing golf during earlier years before health problems prevented him from participating in many of his activities.
Everett is survived by his wife of more than 61 years, Betty McCrum of Brownwood; as well as 2 cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and several cousins.
Appreciation is expressed to Everett’s caregivers, Hope and Rikki, and his therapists, Jennifer and Shelbi, who assisted him during his struggle with Parkinson’s.
Memorials may be made to Central United Methodist Church (1501 2nd St. Brownwood, Texas 76801). Online condolences for the family are welcome at www.blaylockfuneralhome.com.
