COL. BOBBY RUSSELL CRAWFORD
Oct. 7, 1942-Jan. 20, 2017
Colonel Bobby Russell Crawford, USA (retired) passed away at UNC Hospital following a courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family at the time of his passing.
Bobby was born in Wayne County to the late Thurman and Mildred Stevens Crawford. He graduated from Grantham High School. He attended Mount Olive Junior College and Mars Hill College. His military education was extensive and he graduated from the North Carolina Military Academy as a commissioned second lieutenant in 1968, rose through the ranks to colonel in 1996 and was a member of the North Carolina Military Academy Hall of Fame.
One of the highlights of Bobby’s life was his service in the North Carolina Army National Guard. He enlisted in the National Guard in 1966 and retired in 2002 after 36 years of honorable service. He served in many staff and leadership positions throughout his distinguished career. He also received numerous military awards for achievements, culminating in the Legion of Merit.
Bobby was heavily involved in community service organizations. He served as president of the Grantham Grange and was on the board of directors for The North Carolina State Grange. He was a member of the North Carolina Military Historical Society and also served on the board of the Waynesborough Historical Park. He was a member of Falling Creek Baptist Church. He was truly passionate about his antique tractors and was a very active member of the Eastern Carolina Vintage Farm Equipment Club.
He was also a member of the Mill Creek Masonic Lodge 125; Scottish Rite/The Valley of Wilmington; Sudan Shriners; Wayne County Scottish Rite Club; and Newton Grove Chapter No. 267, OES.
Bobby is survived by his dedicated wife of 53 years, Linda Sasser Crawford; his daughter, Nina and her husband, Leighton Bostic; and his granddaughter, Lila Dae Bostic. Additional survivors include his brother, John M. Crawford (Wanda); his brother-in-law Sammy E. Sasser (Winnie); beloved nieces, nephews, extended family and numerous cherished friends.
Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017, at 1 p.m. at Howell Funeral Home followed by a celebration of Bobby’s life at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at Wayne Memorial Park with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The North Carolina Military Historical Society, 7410 Chapel Hill Road, Raleigh, N.C. 27607 or SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals, 123 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, N.C. 27517 or Falling Creek Baptist Church, 498 Falling Creek Church Road, Goldsboro, N.C. 27530.
Services entrusted to the care of Howell Funeral Home and Crematory in Goldsboro.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on January 23, 2017 9:58 AM