William L. Crippen, Jr., age 79, of Manchester Township, passed away at home on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. A proud veteran, William honorably served in the U.S. Army for nearly twenty-five years before his retirement. Born in Neptune, NJ, he lived in Hephzibah, GA and South Toms River, NJ before settling in Manchester Township in 2019.
William was predeceased by Nellie Mae Shields, Richard Shields, Beatrice Rivera, and Pastor Marcia Lorraine Shields Griffin.
William’s legacy continues through his loving family: his sons, William L. Crippen, III (Junior) of Barnegat and Dion Chavis of Cleveland, OH; his daughters, Monica Crippen-Cunningham and her husband Antoine Sr. of Albermarle, NC, Michelle R. Gardner and her husband William of Toms River, Melissa A. Crippen of Toms River, and Devin Chavis of Cleveland, OH; and his brother, George Crippen of Manchester Township.
He was a cherished grandfather to thirteen grandchildren, Donisha Risby, Dakeisha Risby, Sayonna Crippen, Travis Crippen, Dasia Gardner, Savannah Crippen, Shadaya Crippen, Nyrell Grimes, Sienna Crippen, Marcus Gardner, Essence Powell, Trevon Powell, and Savia Crippen, and a proud great-grandfather to nine: Jordon Risby, Camron Dumé, A´moni Reeves, Aryonna Reeves, A’Qwane Reeves, Jr., Genisis Crippen, Ezekiel Crippen, Ermius Powell, and Kaylyn Holland. William will also be fondly remembered by a large extended family and many friends.
Family and friends are invited to his visitation on Sunday, March 8, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, with Military Honors, at DeGraff Lakehurst Funeral Home, 119 Union Avenue, Lakehurst. Travis Crippen will be officiating the service.
Private interment at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery in Arneytown.
I have so many fond memories of uncle Billy. Uncle Billy had an extraordinary memory, he remembered every family that lived in his old neighborhood in Freehold NJ and he loved to discuss African American history. My grandmother Beatrice used to speak on the phone with uncle Billy for hours reminiscing about old times. I remember his love of a good fried fish sandwich. He will be missed by all of us.
I am so sorry to hear of Bill leaving us so soon. talking to him on my daily walks was an honor I will never forget. he was so much fun to speak to, talked of his family with such cherished thoughts. so sorry for your loss.
I will miss my cousin Billy so much we talked all the time for hours because he knew every one in freehold back in the day he will be for ever missed to all his children you had a wonderful father you have my dearest sementhy
Cousin Billy was a good father, uncle, cousin , brother, grandfather to his family. He was a role model for many of us . My grandparents Dot and Bobby Crippen were his aunt and uncle. He in general was and is a man of good spirit that led by example.
it’s a sad day to know that bill is not with us anymore bill and I had a lot of good conversations on her scooters together in the summertime we enjoyed taking him green tomatoes from the farm that he would fry up taking him White Castle cheeseburgers that he loved and always made sure he had a good home cooked meal for Thanksgiving Christmas and Easter love you Bill miss you so much Jackie and Peter caravello you will be at our army base where Peter and I completed the veterans Chapel in 2020 we will stop by and visit you love you