John Alfred Crawford

John Alfred Crawford, 82, a resident of 71 Woodlee Rd., Staunton, went to sing with the Heavenly Quartet early Tuesday morning, October 27, 2015 at his home with his family there. The song he loved to sing all the time was “Better Days Are Coming Bye and Bye”. My husband, our father, and our grandfather has found his “better days” up in heaven. He was born January 27, 1933 in Grottoes and was the son of the late Richard Corbin and Ruth (Ray) Crawford. John was former manager of the Crawford Bros. Quartet for 62 years. He enjoyed singing Gospel music with the group and also the Mt. Bethel Baptist choir. He was a trustee and a deacon of the church; a former member of Mt. Zion Masonic Lodge #18. He worked for Kings Daughters Hospital and then for Reid’s Grocery Store as produce manager for over 30 years before it closed and then for Ray’s Shop and Save in Staunton. After retirement he was called to work at Super Save in Weyers Cave. He was considered as the #1 produce in the grocery business for over 50 years . John was married 61 years to the love his life, Evelyn (Smith) Crawford, who survives. In addition to his wife, he leaves to mourn two sons and one daughter, Alfred Dean, William Frezell and wife, Ann Jones, and Evelyn Diane Crawford and friend, Charles Jones; six grandchildren, Kelcey “KC” Crawford, Tasha Crawford and husband, Thomas, Dean “DJ” Crawford and friend, Kelly, Marcus and wife, Angie, Real Wilmott, and Akadeon Napier; six great-grandchildren, Shalon, Shaleena, Ava, Mac, Kloe and Taneisha; two great-great-grandchildren, Tavian and Janeeiah; great-godchildren, Davante’, Charles, Naomi and Da’Jhnea; six brothers, Owen (Margaret), Bobby, Franklin (Kathy), Purcell (Janice), Howard, Richard and Ezell; one sister, Naomi Woodson; a sister-in-law, Christine Crawford; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one grandson, Kevin Crawford; a brother, Corbin Bucky Crawford; two sisters, Shirley Woodson and Elizabeth Stuart. The family would like to give a special thanks to Diane, Nancy, Anita, Katelyn and Rev. Murphy for the care of our Dad. The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m., Friday, October 30, 2015 at Lindsey Funeral Home in Weyers Cave or they may call at the home of Frezell and Ann Crawford, 422 Sunnyside St., Staunton, at other times. A funeral service will be held at Noon on Saturday, October 31, 2015, at Memorial Baptist Church in Staunton with Rev. Willie Washington officiating. Burial will be in Oaklawn Mausoleum and Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Bethel Baptist Church Building Fund. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lindseyweyerscave.com.