OBITUARY
John Alfred Crawford
January 27, 1933 – October 27, 2015
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.
Services
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Visitation
Friday, October 30, 2015
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Funeral Service
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Memories
John Alfred Crawford
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYKim Harris
November 6, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. My parents ( George & Chris Harris) thought so much of John and your whole family. He was such a nice man and clearly loved by so many. Kim Harris
Connie Harris
November 6, 2015
I was so sorry to hear of Johns passing. He was always the sweetest man. My Dad thought so much of him. Prayers for the family.
CHARLES CARTER
November 3, 2015
Sorry for your lost.
Meredith Veney
October 31, 2015
My thoughts prayers are with the family. Although I can not physically be there, please know that I am there in spirit.
Laura and Brittany McCauley
October 30, 2015
To the Crawford family my prayers and condolence to the whole family. May God comforted you during this difficult time. God never makes a mistake trust Him and He will guide you through. Much love to the family
Sarah Pannell-Crenshaw
October 30, 2015
My prayers are with your family during this difficult time but, just know that he is now at peace and has taken his place on that heavenly choir singing for our Lord and Savior.
WILLIAM HARDEN
October 30, 2015
TO THE CRAWFORD FAMILY,MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL DURING THIS DIFFICUIT TIME.MR.JOHN WAS A MAN OF GOD & HE SUFFERS NO MORE.MAY YOU FIND COMFORT IN THE LORD & KNOW THAT YOUR FRIENDS ARE HERE FOR YOU ALL.
SINCERELY,
WILLIAM & CAROLYN WALLACE-HARDEN
Melissa Martin
October 30, 2015
May the loving memories and loving kindness of Mr. John Crawford help his children n wife, and family members, put smiles in their hearts and minds, that helps to feel comfort and strength from this day forward. Heis walking around Heaven all day long, sing with God.
Beverley Dixon
October 29, 2015
John was always a joy to work with. He had a kindness and warmth about him like no other. Prayers to the Crawford family may you have peace in your memories of this special man.
Jan Jeffreus Painter
October 29, 2015
All the Crawford Brothers meant a great deal to (my) the Jeffreys family. Our heartfelt sympathy for the loss of a special man.
Sheila Ahmadi
October 29, 2015
Freezell, Diane, Dean & Family, I am deeply saddened by the loss of your Dad & wonderful family member! I have great memories of Christmas visits & gift sharing, holiday shopping trips to Roanoke, delicious feasts on Thanksgiving at Montgomery Hall Park, quartet practices at Bucky & Christine's home, and the great memories of Johnny go on and on!! He is a great role model of a man who put God, Family,and work in that order.
I know this is a difficult time but I also know God will provide you the comfort and peace to help you through each day! Peace & Blessings! Sheila
Larry F Smith
October 29, 2015
To The Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. John was such a pleasant man and a joy to know. R.I.P. Love and Blessings. Dolores, Larry,Taylor Jr, Corrine, Brenda & Leroy Smith
Dana Eastman
October 29, 2015
John worked with my father, Gene Mullins, at Reid's Stores. He was a wonderful person and well respected in the grocery business. So sorry for your loss, may he sing in the heavenly choirs.
October 29, 2015
So sorry to hear of his passing, may God bless his family.
Michael Fields
October 29, 2015
I got to know John when I worked at Reid's on Augusta Street in 1964-65. He was an absolute delight for co-workers and customers. We moved from Staunton in 1965 but John always remembered my family and me. It was always wonderful to see him on my return visits. The world needs more people like John. He will be missed.
Glasgow Riley
October 29, 2015
John is one of my favorite in this world and I know he is looking down on us with that wonderful smile.
Linda Cuffee
October 29, 2015
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Crawford's passing! He will be greatly missed. He was blessed to have his family around him. God bless his family and keep them strong.
Cindy Jordan
October 29, 2015
Mr. Crawford made getting groceries almost enjoyable. Always smiling and very willing to help me to find just what I was looking for. He taught me how to select a good cantaloupe! It was such an honor to know him. My sincere condolences to the family.
Clinton & Rita Jones
October 29, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Crawford family.
Janet gowns
October 29, 2015
Many fond memories of John, seeing him working and talking with him at all grocery stores and last at the grocery store in Weyers Cave. Our sincere sympathy to all of his family]
Janet and Earl Downs
Goods Mill, VA
David &Debbie Byrd
October 28, 2015
So sorry for the loss of a special family member, may the Lord Jesus be with all of you during this time.
Judy Herndon
October 28, 2015
What a wonderful man! He was, indeed, the king of produce. I loved walking into Reid's and seeing him, his warm smile, the twinkle in his eyes. Much sympathy to the family in this difficult time.
Tracey Madison
October 28, 2015
Thoughts and prayers to your sweet family. May you take comfort in all the happy memories.
russell knight
October 28, 2015
great friend and co worker at reids store
Kay Alexander
October 28, 2015
To the Crawford family.I'm sorry for your lost. You all are in our thoughts & prayers.
God Bless.