Retired Capt. Richard H. Crawford, Sr.'s Obituary
Dick was born on July 29th, 1935 in Blytheville, Arkansas to Dixie Felix Crawford and Elizabeth Hanley Crawford. He moved to Jonesboro, Arkansas as a young child and later attended Jonesboro High School where he was Senior Class President, Lettered in Football, and was a member of the National Honor Society. At age 19, Dick enrolled in Southwestern University at Memphis, today known as Rhodes College, where he graduated with a degree in Economics and Political Science. At Southwestern, he was President of the Honor Council, Secretary of the Kappa Alpha Order, and a member of Omicron Delta Kappa. Additionally, Dick was also named to the Southwestern Hall of Fame for Outstanding Service on Campus. Upon his graduation from Southwestern, Dick attended Vanderbilt University School of Law. He graduated with his Juris Doctor Degree in 1960 and returned to Memphis. In 1961, Dick joined the Coast Guard and attended Officer Candidate School. He was a commander of the local Memphis Coast Guard Reserve during the ’60s. In 1963, he married Marilyn Miller, who preceded him in death. Dick raised his family in Memphis as an attorney and Juvenile Court Judge. In 1989, he went to Washington, D.C. for service during the Gulf War. Dick returned to Memphis in 1996 and enjoyed time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He later married Shirley Wilroy of Hernando, Mississippi and moved there to live with her. Upon her death, he returned to Memphis.After retirement, Dick was a commander in both the Military Officers Association of America and the Military Order of the World Wars. He enjoyed meeting fellow members at their events around the country.Throughout his life, Dick liked to sail on Greer’s Ferry Lake, attend cookouts with his family and friends, and play bridge and chess. He enjoyed relaxing on the porch with a cigar and a glass of bourbon while listening to classical music.Dick is survived by his brother, James Riley Crawford; three children, Suzanne Cole (Jay), Tim Crawford (Cindy), Hanley Crawford, Jr. (Heather); seven grandchildren, Jacob Cole (Kelly), Josh Cole (Jamie), Jared Cole, Jenna Crawford, Christie Crawford, Trip Crawford, and Emerson Crawford; seven great-grandchildren, Katie Cole, Miller Cole, McKenzie Cole, Jay Cole, Makenna Cole, Christian Cole, and Andrew Cole; and three great-great-grandchildren, Avery Wheatcraft, Olivia Wheatcraft, and Drayton Poullard.In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery or the charity of your choice.There will be a committal service on Monday, June 10th at 2:00 p.m. at West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery.
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