On July 3, 2006, at 11:20 p.m., God sent his angels for Warren Crawford to begin his heavenly rest. He slept away peacefully at Huntsville Hospital.
Son of the late Donnie Bobo and Joe Crawford, Warren Crawford was born September 22, 1921, in Madison County, Alabama. Early in life, he confessed hope in Christ and joined Springhill United Methodist Church. On December 28, 1940, Warren was joined in holy matrimony with Ella Bobo. To that union, four lovely children were born.
Mr. Crawford’s primary focus in life was to provide a positive, comfortable and happy life for his family. It was equally important to him that his family received spiritual nurturing, and to that end, his children were expected to actively be involved in weekly church programs, as well as community activities.
For over fifty years, he was energetically and actively involved in most aspects of the operations of Phillips Chapel CME Church where he served in numerous capacities including Chair of the Board of Trustees, Chair of the Stewards Board, member of the Usher Board and a member of many committees. Because of his outstanding expertise in the building trades, he served as the “doer or consult” for major building repairs and special projects over the years at Phillips.
Mr. Crawford’s outgoing personality and love for people were well known throughout the community. His interest, desire and willingness to help others always extended far beyond the walls of his home and family, especially to young people. He often provided guidance, a nurturing spirit, and financial support to children of all ages in the community and his church. He was well respected by the persons whom he touched because of his willingness to openly and candidly communicate and share his wisdom. While guidance offered to his mentees was not always what they wanted to hear, it was advice they needed.
His civic involvement included membership in the Good Neighbors Club of Huntsville, the NAACP, and he was a lifetime member of the R. E. Nelms Elks Lodge No. 977. He also provided support to a multitude of other civic, cultural, and religious organizations by donating his services, skills, finances, and assisting in any way that he could.
As a building contractor, and lifetime member of the brick mason’s union, Mr. Crawford left his indelible mark on many buildings and work sites throughout the South, the East Coast, and the Midwest. For many years he served as the on-site contractor responsible for all building improvements and repairs at Alabama A&M University, and was recognized by the University for his loyalty, dedication and service. His outstanding contributions to the building trades have long been recognized for his creativity, perfection, and attention to detail.
As his children fondly recall when reflecting on the many great things about their Dad and his career, they all agreed that “Daddy could make anything.” “If he didn’t have the tool he needed, he would make it.” Each of the children would anxiously wait for his visits to their homes, requesting him to bring his tools and work clothes, knowing that they would get repairs and special projects completed.
Warren was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ella, and an infant son, Wendell. Precious memories of Warren’s love, kindness and support of his family will be cherished by his daughter, Margaret Crawford Howell of Atlanta; his daughter, Rubye Crawford Trawick and her husband, Willis of Capitol Heights, Maryland; his son, James Warren Crawford and his wife, Victoria of Madison; four grandchildren, Angelen Brooks (Everett), Tracie Moore (Eric) of Madison; Kelwin Trawick (Jamika) of Martinsburg, West Virginia; and Leslye Jones (George) of Atlanta; six beautiful great-grandchildren, Emerson and Evan Brooks, Avery and Alexa Moore of Madison, and George Jr. and Gabriel Jones of Atlanta; one sister-in-law, Elmira Walton of Huntsville; one nephew, Leon Bobo of Germantown, Maryland; three nieces, Mary Walton Ferguson of Spartanburg, South Carolina; Clara Kennedy of Las Vegas, Nevada; Margaret Sales of Los Angeles, California; one uncle, Charles Leamon of Cleveland, Ohio; five aunts, Kate Toney, Berda Erskine and Dannie Cowan of Madison; Charlotte Cowan Camble of Huntsville, and Bernice Leamon of Cleveland, Ohio; beloved cousin, Susie Crawford Caudle; Caregivers, Mary Nance and Edna Collins; a special family friend and neighbors, Delores Jefferson; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Services Held
Saturday, July 8, 2006
Half Past One In The Afternoon
Phillips Christian
Methodist Episcopal Church
200 Davis Circle
Huntsville, Alabama
Reverend Richard McDuffie
Pastor and Officiant
Interment
Valhalla Memory Gardens
700 Winchester Road
Huntsville, Alabama 35811