Former Clarksville, TN. mayor and veteran Col. (R) Ted Crozier has died at age 91 from a respiratory illness.
The city government of Clarksville confirmed his passing on Jan. 9th. All city facilities were ordered by Mayor Kim McMillan to lower their flags to half-mast and returned to full-staff at sunset on the day of interment on Jan.14.
Crozier dedicated his life to service in both the civilian and military spheres. In total, he spent 32 years in the military prior to his retirement in 1977 with the rank of colonel. In his military career, he was the first commander of the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade at Fort Campbell and was also the first aviator to serve as the chief of staff for the 101st Airborne Division.
He entered the political arena in 1978, winning the mayor’s chair in Clarksville, his tenure lasting for eight years. He is seen as a man with vision, making numerous economic decisions concerning industry, business, and enhancements to the city’s infrastructure, benefiting the city’s growth. He was also Chairman of the Fort Campbell Historical Foundation’s board of directors.
There is a portion of highway in Clarksville that bears his name: Ted A. Crozier Boulevard.
Mayor Kim McMillan said she was very saddened by the passing of a person she considered both as a good friend and trusted adviser for many years.
He gave years of exemplary service to the United States as an Army officer, and his affection for Fort Campbell grew to encompass Clarksville. Mayor Crozier and a key body of Army colleagues understood that having Fort Campbell and Clarksville in closer proximity to one another would benefit both, and he worked ceaselessly to achieve that goal, McMillan said. In addition, he inspired her to create an official Military Liaison Office within city government, ClarksvilleNow.com reported.
Mayor of Montgomery County, Jim Durrett also has words of praise for Crozier, saying he first met the mayor when he was employed at the Clarksville Street Department. Even then he was a hard worker and was a man of vision and integrity. He was ethical.
Crozier was interred with full military honors at Greenwood Cemetery.