Marshall "Mike" Ray Crawford

On January 19, 1950 in York, SC, Marshall was born to the late Bury and Essie Crawford. After his parents’ untimely deaths, he was raised by his Uncle Alexander “Red Onion” and Aunt Alice “Big Baby” Bryant. Following graduation from Jefferson High School, he completed a year at Voorhees College. Marshall was drafted into the U.S. Army before his second year of college, and served as a Medical Laboratory Technician. During his service, he was awarded the honors of Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1976. While in service, he married his childhood sweetheart, Rosa Gary of York, SC in 1971. Once home from Vietnam, Marshall and Rosa settled in Charlotte, NC, where they raised three children, Marshall Kamau Crawford, Jamila Crawford, and Akilah [Crawford] Tomingas.

Marshall heavily prided himself on his family. He provided for his wife and children, completing a long and successful career with AT&T, where he worked in a managerial role until his retirement. In addition to Voorhees, he also attended Johnson C. Smith and UNC-Charlotte. Marshall and Rosa instilled the importance of higher learning to their children. As a result of their pursuit of access to knowledge, all three of their children earned medical doctorates. If not for Marshall and Rosa’s faith, guidance and perseverance, their children’s success would not have been possible.

Marshall had a passion for writing. In his retirement, he published Jackson City Orphans Book I: Mike Wakes Up! in 2016, narrating his early childhood years in the Johnson City neighborhood of York, SC. He published a second book, Best Summer Ever!, a children’s book detailing his great adventures with friends and family in the 1950s. He also developed a love for real estate, where he renovated homes and created rental opportunities for the community. His favorite pastimes were golfing with his golf buddies, traveling, and investing in the stock market. His curiosity, drive, and enthusiasm for life were an inspiration to those who knew him. He will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his quiet strength, and his dedication to those he loved. He was known for his wit and ability to talk about anything. Even though he would consider himself an introvert, he was often in the center of conversations. He was always looking to improve himself, and never stopped learning. He saw challenges as opportunities to leave a positive impact on others.

Marshall is remembered by his wife Rosa Gary Crawford of 54 years of marriage; three children, Marshall Kamau R. Crawford (wife Makeecha, their children Kamille and Kelsie) of Weddington, NC, Jamila Crawford of Tega Cay, SC, and Akilah [Crawford] Tomingas (husband Christopher, their children Sophia, Jackson, Jon and Jordan) of Athens, GA; his sister Pauline Crawford Cornwell (her daughter Jacqueline [Cornwell] Mitchell) of Charlotte, NC; cousin William “Billy” Bryant (Aggie) of Wyncote, PA; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bury and Essie, Alexander and Alice, brothers Richard, Fred, and Larry Crawford, and sisters Ruth Patrick, Joann Hopkins, and Alice Kay Crawford Burris.

A service to celebrate Marshall’s life will be held at McEwen Funeral Service- Pineville Chapel, 10500 Park Road, Charlotte, NC. The Wake will take place Saturday June 21, 2025 from 4:30-6:30 pm; the Homegoing service will take place Sunday June 22, 2025 at 10:00am. His body will be laid to rest at York Memorial Park on 5150 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28217 with military honors offered by the U.S. Army Honor Guard following the service.

For those wishing to send memorial gifts, and in addition to flowers, please consider purchasing Marshall’s two books: Jackson City Orphans and Best Summer Ever! through the publisher JJ Planter Writing and Ministry Consulting (www.jjplanter.com).

Condolences may be offered at www.mcewenpinevillechapel.com.