John Paul McCrumbly

Life should not only be lived, but it should also be celebrated.

John Paul McCrumbly transitioned to a new life on October 13, 2025, at home in Mansfield, Texas surrounded by the love of family. He was born on July 28, 1953, in Dallas, Texas to John Ed McCrumbly and Mary Lou Houston McCrumbly who loved him dearly. John Paul experienced life with one sibling, Donald Ray McCrumbly.

John attended O. M. Roberts Elementary School and J. L. Long Junior High School before attending and graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School in the Dallas Independent School District. While attending Woodrow Wilson, he gained popularity and notoriety for being an outstanding athlete and a person who brought people together during desegregation. The school’s first black football star, he was nicknamed, “The Train” for dragging guys down the field who tried to tackle him. His speed and strength made him a formidable linebacker. As a junior, John rushed more than 1,900 yards and scored 19 touchdowns assisting their team to make the state semifinals.

After graduating, John played linebacker at Tyler Junior College where he was named All-American in 1971-1972. John played the same position at Texas A & M University. In 1975, the NFL Buffalo Bills drafted him. After one season with the Bills, he returned to Dallas and began a long career in security with the Dallas Independent School District. John retired in 2017 after being diagnosed with dementia.

Waiting to greet him are his granddaughter, Aanijjae Simone Carpenter, who preceded him in death at the tender age of seven, parents, granny, and brother.

Left to cherish John are his loving his wife, Carmelia McCrumbly; son, Melvin Lofton (Bridgette); daughter Sharlis O’Guinn (Maurice); bonus daughter, Joi Anene (Emmanuel); granddaughter Taylor Crawford, grandsons Kenneth and Kevin Carpenter; great-grandsons, Duane and Cairo Carpenter; great-granddaughters, Trinity and Aanijjae “Gigi” Carpenter; sister-in-law, Crystal Matthews; brother-in-law, Darrell Matthews; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other relatives and friends.

John Paul, as he was affectionately known, was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more whose lives he touched. We ask that John Paul is remembered for the profound impact he made on those who had the pleasure of knowing him.