Capt. Roderick Phillip Crawford Sr., USN (Ret)

Capt. Roderick Phillip Crawford, USN (Ret)—distinguished naval officer, revered patriarch, athlete, and loyal friend and neighbor passed away peacefully Saturday, March 7, leaving behind a legacy of character, leadership, integrity, and modesty.

Born in Mobile, Alabama, Capt. Crawford’s intellect, stature, and wry humor were evident early; with his father’s premature death, he enjoyed the kinship of his dog “Big Boy,” and numerous Uncles who implored “learn to eat something close to you,” and awoke early to take him hunting. One bought a horse for no other apparent reason than for young Roddy to meander the trails of pre-developed Walshwood with neighbors. He graduated from McGill Institute in 1949 a year ahead of schedule, a feat he humbly attributed to "maybe being tall." After a year at Spring Hill College, he begrudgingly entered the United States Naval Academy, graduating with the Class of 1954. Despite his memories centering on the "misery" of the Academy, the competition for cold milk, and how to bend the rules with friends, “Roddy” was recognized by his peers and institution officials as a Distinguished Midshipman for his exceptional leadership and fell in love with flying.

His military career was defined by a passion for flying and elite command. A pilot dual-qualified in both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, Captain Crawford commanded an air wing of six squadrons of the then-cutting-edge S-3A aircraft at Cecil Field, FL. His leadership extended to serving as the Commanding Officer of Naval Air Station Norfolk, where he greeted a President and expanded runway capacities for critical troop movement with the same precision he applied to the cockpit.

Rod was both a “proud and ashamed” Alabaman, deeply proud of his large family roots, full of strong-willed leaders, teachers like his mom, entrepreneurs like his grandfather and great grandfather, lawyers like his father, grandfather and several uncles in Wisconsin, and of course “Holy Joe,” a priest of legendary character, musical talent as the trumpet player at Alabama football games, and the one-time President of Spring Hill College. A driven man, he was a three-sport all-city athlete earning him induction into the McGill-Toolen High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2010. He favored baseball at the Naval Academy, where he later enjoyed coaching a young outfielder and Heisman Trophy winner named Roger Staubach. In his "second career," he exceeded fundraising goals as the Director of Advancement for Norfolk Collegiate School and Director of the Federal Campaign for the local United Way.

Rod’s integrity and humility are simply legendary. After once using a “slug” in the Academy pay phone to call home, he sewed up that offense quickly, mailing the money due to the phone company on his own. His Distinguished Midshipman status required revelation by his proud brother. Similarly, his children never knew of his athletic achievements until the “McT” induction. And Captain Crawford’s presence, cool smile, whit, and toastmaster charm were evident in naval speeches and social engagements he both avoided and enjoyed.

In his last 30 years, he enjoyed dude ranches, fishing trips, family visits, golfed regularly with USNA friends, attended as many grandchild events as possible, and waged a persistently light-hearted campaign against his backyard grey squirrels raiding his bird feeders. His expertise shaped through catching and training flying squirrels in Alabama, his backyard tactics ranged from greased wires to hand-crafted trap captures for ineffective neighboring schoolyard relocations he knew didn’t meet the necessary “eight miles and crossing water” relo apparently requires. Once a devoted lunch-time swimmer and exerciser, even as neuropathy limited his mobility, his discipline never wavered; he maintained his fitness into his 90s, watching his weight while never missing his “three squares.” With daily puzzle work, his memory and mind were sharp.

A devoted Catholic, Rod found great spiritual comfort in his later years with Father Brito at St. Gregory’s. He was a man of immense charm who outlasted many of his contemporaries but never lost his ability to make a connection, even telling the devoted, warm, and gracious Lake Taylor Rehab Hospital nursing staff “it’s been a pleasure” 36 hours prior to his passing.

Captain Crawford was preceded in death by his parents, Francis Marion and Francis Marie Crawford; his brother, William Walsh Crawford and his wife Sandra Kay Stalcup Crawford of Palm Beach, FL; and his beloved wife, Marcia. He is survived by his children: Kimberly Scott; Kendall Sheldon; Roderick Crawford, Jr.; and Richard Crawford; his in-laws George and Patty Ferguson; eleven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Rod’s devoted caregiver, Renee, and his incredible neighbors Lisa and Freddy, who devotedly retrieved mail, papers, drove him to appointments, and watched over him like a member of their family. Meanwhile Lou, Kevin, Mark, Susan, Barry and of course the incomparable Julian offered handyman help, task support, and friendship blessings regularly. These people defined “neighbor” to an exceptional standard. For these kind souls, and the care and grace from the Lake Taylor Rehab Hospital staff, Captain Crawford’s family is forever indebted.