William (Billy) Robert Crawford

Services will be at 5 p.m. Aug. 23 at Victory Life Church.

He was a student.

Survivors include his parents, Bill and Cherlyn Crawford of Grand Junction, two sisters, Royanna Joye Crawford, and Carissa Hope Crawford, both of Grand Junction, and grandparents, Bill and Betty Roy Pitts of Grand Junction, and Bob and Joyce Crawford of Aurora.

Memorial contributions to Colorado Discover Ability, 740 Gunnison Ave., Suite 105, Grand Junction 81501.

William Robert (Billy) Crawford

July 24, 1998-August 12, 2016

Our gift from God, William Robert (Billy) Crawford, went back to heaven way too soon. Embraced by loving family since his birth in Denver, July 24, 1998, he left a trail of smiles wherever he went. Unwilling to be shackled by convention, he pressed the boundaries in most things. His parents didn’t know all the things he was up to since his creative thought process and love of pranks was too great to keep up with, and not always what he thought they would consider appropriate. He moved with his parents, Bill and Cherlyn Crawford, and younger sisters, Royanna Joye and Carissa Hope, to Grand Junction, Colorado, in 2006. The wonderful teachers and staff of District-51 persistently attempted to channel his exuberance as they guided his education, resulting in induction in National Honor Society in his sophomore year and an ACT score of 30. Cub Scout and Boy Scout leaders and friends joined our lives as he served, learned and sold enough popcorn to be in the scholarship program. His father was usually part of Billy’s United Methodist Sunday School education team since he was such an adventure to direct. Billy played the contrabass in orchestra at West Middle School and GJHS through 10th grade. He played in the MCJFB league, Bears, and Raiders for 6-8th grades. Never worrying about the landing, Billy lived life on the edge as he played football, basketball, and skied with a passion. Over the years he received five concussions which may have contributed to the depression which took him from all who loved him in spite of his courageous fight to defeat it. He was passionate about sprinting and especially loved the hurdles with a goal of getting to state this year. He spent three years with his “lifeguard family” in GJ City Pools, and literally saved several children who will have many more years of play thanks to him.

Billy is survived by friends too numerous to list, his grandmother, Betty Roy Pitts; aunt, Debbie Beth Hoffman; Hoffman cousins, Myndi (Taylor), Lyndi, Devon (Bridget); aunt & uncle, Kamilee & Ron Rucker; Rucker cousins, Kirsten Graham (Jon & Ivy), Ron (Ann); aunt & uncle, Bob & Judy Crawford (Jake) of Centennial; Pam Crawford (Justin & Heather, Cori & Patrick) of Parker; Pat Crawford of Aurora; Missourians, Carol & Jerry Pitts; and Lynda Smith family, and many other loved ones. Services will be at Victory Life Chapel, 2066 US 6 & 50, August 23 at 5 p.m. Please wear Hawaiian attire or Colorado flag shirts. Memorial contributions to Powderhorn Colorado Discoverability, 740 Gunnison Avenue, Suite 105, Grand Junction CO, 81501. Pura Vida!