William Joseph Crauswell

Joseph was the fourth child and second son of William Jordan “Dub” Crauswell (1930–1974) and Doris Nell Robbins Crauswell (1932–2026). Born at Bessemer Hospital, his first home was a log house at the end of McClain Road in the Rock Creek Community. Joseph grew up attending church with his family at Unity Baptist Church, and later at Big Creek Baptist, Union Missionary Baptist Church, and Good Hope Baptist in Warrior.

He attended Corner School, where he participated in sports, especially baseball.

After school, Joseph lived in Ohio, California, Texas (where he served briefly in the military), Florida, and eventually returned to Alabama, where he raised his seven daughters. He held many jobs throughout his life, including bodyguard, cookware salesman, sign hanger, steel factory worker, and house painter. The work he loved most was house painting, remodeling, and repair, where his skill and passion shone.

Joseph was active in his community and church. He participated in Emmaus Walks both as a participant and sponsor, serving in the kitchen. He played the part of Papa in the Graysville production of Papa’s Angels and the part of Jesus in the Passion Play at Gardendale First Baptist Church.

Riding motorcycles was a lifelong passion, as were his daughters and grandchildren. He was proud to be called Gramps by seven grandchildren.

He was a devoted father, a loyal friend, and a man who brought people together. Joseph encouraged his family to stay connected to one another and to nature, promoting healthy living through homeopathic diets, grounding techniques, and natural remedies. He loved motorcycles, rivers, creeks, the beach, and exploring new places—especially discovering new restaurants and enjoying beautiful outdoor views. He had a passion for working with his hands—tinkering with cars, four-wheelers, boats, and any project that needed fixing. Joseph loved singing, dancing, and playing games with those he loved, and he carried joy wherever he went.

A man of faith, Joseph read his Bible daily and lived out his beliefs in his interactions with family and friends. He faced life’s challenges with courage—once falling 30 feet while hanging a swing for his children and breaking both ankles—yet never lost his adventurous spirit. He loved his dog Dixie deeply and cherished the memory of his mother, Doris.

On Sunday, May 3, Joseph was riding his motorcycle to meet a friend on the 11000 block of Camp Olive Road when he was involved in a fatal accident. The exact circumstances are still under investigation.

Family

Joseph is survived by his daughters:

-Marena Crauswell

-Sharla Easterwood and her husband Bailey Easterwood and their children, Della, Andie, Avett, and Peter

-Christa McFarland and her husband Kyle McFarland and her children, Leah and Norah

-Kimberly Crauswell

-Gloria Crauswell and her son William

-Joanna Crauswell

-Rebekah Crauswell

He is also survived by his siblings:

-David Crauswell and his children

-Elizabeth Verchio and her husband Gene Verchio

-Selesta Tucker and her children

-Camilla Mitchell and her husband Terry Mitchell and their children

He was preceded in death by his father, William Jordan “Dub” Crauswell, and his mother, Doris Nell Robbins Crauswell (1932–2026).

Service Information:

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 2427 Corner Rd, Warrior, AL 35180, with visitation from 9:00–10:00 AM, followed by a fellowship meal provided by friends and family.

Memorial Contributions & Gifts:

Donations to support the family may be made via GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/28af28b63

Flowers may be sent to Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 2427 Corner Rd, Warrior, AL 35180

Cards and gifts may be sent to the family at:

54 3rd Ave SE, Graysville, AL 35073