Gerald Thomas Crawford Sr., 85 years of age of Harrisburg, Arkansas manifested into pure spirit leaving his physical body at 3:15 p.m. November 10, 2016.
He was born January 25, 1931 in Vanndale, Arkansas son of W.I. Crawford SR. and Rosalee Rooks Crawford, both deceased.
Gerald married Barbara Lee on March 17,1956, they were married for 60 years of love, friendship, parenting, politicking, growth and maybe a little bickering along the way.
Together they created Three Daughters Tamera Crawford Atha, of Dallas, TX., whom passed away, November 1, 2015, Tommi Crawford of Branson, MO., and Terri Crawford Box of Dallas, TX., and their youngest child Gerald Thomas Crawford Jr. of Harrisburg, AR. Gerald finally got his boy, he was so happy.
His Brothers W.I. Crawford JR.of Harrisburg, AR, Evan Crawford, sister Josephine Edwards both of Mountain Home, AR and his great grand-daughter Makena Byers of Dallas, TX., preceded him in death.
Gerald was survived by his sisters Francis Emmons of Union City, MO, Essie Robinson and Nona Bonham of Jonesboro, AR. Surviving brothers are Rodney Crawford of Nesbitt, MS, Reginald Crawford, and Donnie Crawford of Harrisburg, AR and Sidney Crawford of Jonesboro, AR. Surviving grand-children are Eric Thomas, Crawford Box, Samuel Box, Tara Byers and Jennifer Crawford of Dallas, TX, Nathan Thomas, Dustin Crawford and Andrew Crawford of Harrisburg, AR and Michael Wallin JR. of Walnut Ridge, AR., and 15 surviving great grand-children.
Always an intelligent and hardworking man with an eighth-grade education, Gerald accomplished many great things with his time here on earth. He was very compassionate, especially when it came to the downtrodden struggling families of Poinsett County. He and Barbara owned Crawford Lime and Feed Store for 15 years. During this time,Gerald would always help his fellow man out. Be it with words of encouragement, employment or free water to haul back to their homes. The fortunate folks on Crowley’s Ridge had well water, even if it varied in shades of copper, with a unique aroma of rotten eggs. This inspired Gerald to seek monies and cooperation with the government and residents to develop the Crowley’s Ridge Water Association. Praise God good water on The Ridge. Gerald also raised cattle, hogs, chickens and catfish on the ridge for years. He smoked hams, made sow’s meat and milked the cows to feed his family. Gerald always had a big garden, a pea patch and several corn fields. One summer he even dabbled with growing cotton, which he made the 3 T’s chop and pick. After that summer, Tammi, Tommi and Terri knew they needed an education, they were not successful cotton pickers for sure. Gerald even dug gravel from the ridge to support his family, he was a very resourceful man. Gerald created two residential subdivisions out on Crowley’s Ridge. His philosophy was to help the working man realize the American dream of home ownership. He owner financed land to folks that conventional banks thought too risky. Still today, many families are grateful to him for this opportunity to become home owners instead of renters for life.He became interested in politics in 1966 and ran for Sheriff of Poinsett County, he was successful his third campaign of 1970. His wife Barbara and mother in law Bernice Gardner, would take the three T’s out and campaign door to door every two years. The three T’s would invite their classmates to join then in canvasing the entire county. Many boyfriends countywide were created with all these cute Harrisburg girls out campaigning in the seventies. Being Sheriff was one of his most gratifying experiences. Helping folks, wearing a uniform, driving a sheriff’s car and wearing his signature cowboy hat. His barns were burned to the ground and part of the feed store during his crack down on crime in Poinsett County. However, he stuck with the job, arresting illegal gun runners, solving murder cases, to letting some poor drunk sleep it off in the jail for a night. He was kind and tough with a long reach, during a fist fight he could hold a man away from him with his one long arm extended. The man would keep on swinging, never hitting Gerald’s face, until the man just wore himself out.Then Gerald would take him to Jail or to the man’s home to cool down. Larger than life at 6’ 4” tall, when Gerald walked into a room he was a breath of fresh air, always a smile and a warm hand shake. He was known as The Singing Sheriff, he might not have known all the words, but he loved to dance and sing. During the Poinsett County Fair in the seventies while sheriff, he would have live music every night. Boy, that was some fun fair days if you liked to sing and dance which he did. Gerald took young Bill Clinton, who was running for Arkansas Attorney General at the time, around Poinsett and introduced him to the area. They shared a special bond, since Gerald was one of the first to help him in Northeast Arkansas. The family knew Gerald wasn’t doing well this last election, when he didn’t want to vote. He was letting go of earthly concerns, dwelling more in his spiritual nature. Gerald’s mind stayed sharp throughout his life, until about the last 2 weeks before his passing over to be with The Lord. Got to love an old man with a sharp mind there is tremendous wisdom given, if one chooses to listen. After Gerald and Barbara moved into Woodbriar Nursing Home in August, 2016 he knew all the caregiver’s parents, grand-parents or family members. They all loved him, for this the family is grateful. He even sang one night in the lobby with the band, the song was Satin Sheets, we can see him now enjoying life to the fullest, singing his heart out. We are all missing Gerald, Husband, Daddy, Papaw, Uncle, Sheriff and Friend. We are all blessed to have known him, his strength of character and charisma. A true Southern Gentleman.
A celebration of Gerald Thomas Crawford SR’s Life was held at The Glissen Family Center, First Baptist Church, Jackson Street, Harrisburg Arkansas. Gerald chose to be cremated and have his ashes buried in the Harrisburg Memorial cemetery. His daughters chose to keep a little of his ashes to carry with them through the rest of their lives to keep him close to them.
He was born January 25, 1931 in Vanndale, Arkansas son of W.I. Crawford SR. and Rosalee Rooks Crawford, both deceased.
Gerald married Barbara Lee on March 17,1956, they were married for 60 years of love, friendship, parenting, politicking, growth and maybe a little bickering along the way.
Together they created Three Daughters Tamera Crawford Atha, of Dallas, TX., whom passed away, November 1, 2015, Tommi Crawford of Branson, MO., and Terri Crawford Box of Dallas, TX., and their youngest child Gerald Thomas Crawford Jr. of Harrisburg, AR. Gerald finally got his boy, he was so happy.
His Brothers W.I. Crawford JR.of Harrisburg, AR, Evan Crawford, sister Josephine Edwards both of Mountain Home, AR and his great grand-daughter Makena Byers of Dallas, TX., preceded him in death.
Gerald was survived by his sisters Francis Emmons of Union City, MO, Essie Robinson and Nona Bonham of Jonesboro, AR. Surviving brothers are Rodney Crawford of Nesbitt, MS, Reginald Crawford, and Donnie Crawford of Harrisburg, AR and Sidney Crawford of Jonesboro, AR. Surviving grand-children are Eric Thomas, Crawford Box, Samuel Box, Tara Byers and Jennifer Crawford of Dallas, TX, Nathan Thomas, Dustin Crawford and Andrew Crawford of Harrisburg, AR and Michael Wallin JR. of Walnut Ridge, AR., and 15 surviving great grand-children.
Always an intelligent and hardworking man with an eighth-grade education, Gerald accomplished many great things with his time here on earth. He was very compassionate, especially when it came to the downtrodden struggling families of Poinsett County. He and Barbara owned Crawford Lime and Feed Store for 15 years. During this time,Gerald would always help his fellow man out. Be it with words of encouragement, employment or free water to haul back to their homes. The fortunate folks on Crowley’s Ridge had well water, even if it varied in shades of copper, with a unique aroma of rotten eggs. This inspired Gerald to seek monies and cooperation with the government and residents to develop the Crowley’s Ridge Water Association. Praise God good water on The Ridge. Gerald also raised cattle, hogs, chickens and catfish on the ridge for years. He smoked hams, made sow’s meat and milked the cows to feed his family. Gerald always had a big garden, a pea patch and several corn fields. One summer he even dabbled with growing cotton, which he made the 3 T’s chop and pick. After that summer, Tammi, Tommi and Terri knew they needed an education, they were not successful cotton pickers for sure. Gerald even dug gravel from the ridge to support his family, he was a very resourceful man. Gerald created two residential subdivisions out on Crowley’s Ridge. His philosophy was to help the working man realize the American dream of home ownership. He owner financed land to folks that conventional banks thought too risky. Still today, many families are grateful to him for this opportunity to become home owners instead of renters for life.He became interested in politics in 1966 and ran for Sheriff of Poinsett County, he was successful his third campaign of 1970. His wife Barbara and mother in law Bernice Gardner, would take the three T’s out and campaign door to door every two years. The three T’s would invite their classmates to join then in canvasing the entire county. Many boyfriends countywide were created with all these cute Harrisburg girls out campaigning in the seventies. Being Sheriff was one of his most gratifying experiences. Helping folks, wearing a uniform, driving a sheriff’s car and wearing his signature cowboy hat. His barns were burned to the ground and part of the feed store during his crack down on crime in Poinsett County. However, he stuck with the job, arresting illegal gun runners, solving murder cases, to letting some poor drunk sleep it off in the jail for a night. He was kind and tough with a long reach, during a fist fight he could hold a man away from him with his one long arm extended. The man would keep on swinging, never hitting Gerald’s face, until the man just wore himself out.Then Gerald would take him to Jail or to the man’s home to cool down. Larger than life at 6’ 4” tall, when Gerald walked into a room he was a breath of fresh air, always a smile and a warm hand shake. He was known as The Singing Sheriff, he might not have known all the words, but he loved to dance and sing. During the Poinsett County Fair in the seventies while sheriff, he would have live music every night. Boy, that was some fun fair days if you liked to sing and dance which he did. Gerald took young Bill Clinton, who was running for Arkansas Attorney General at the time, around Poinsett and introduced him to the area. They shared a special bond, since Gerald was one of the first to help him in Northeast Arkansas. The family knew Gerald wasn’t doing well this last election, when he didn’t want to vote. He was letting go of earthly concerns, dwelling more in his spiritual nature. Gerald’s mind stayed sharp throughout his life, until about the last 2 weeks before his passing over to be with The Lord. Got to love an old man with a sharp mind there is tremendous wisdom given, if one chooses to listen. After Gerald and Barbara moved into Woodbriar Nursing Home in August, 2016 he knew all the caregiver’s parents, grand-parents or family members. They all loved him, for this the family is grateful. He even sang one night in the lobby with the band, the song was Satin Sheets, we can see him now enjoying life to the fullest, singing his heart out. We are all missing Gerald, Husband, Daddy, Papaw, Uncle, Sheriff and Friend. We are all blessed to have known him, his strength of character and charisma. A true Southern Gentleman.
A celebration of Gerald Thomas Crawford SR’s Life was held at The Glissen Family Center, First Baptist Church, Jackson Street, Harrisburg Arkansas. Gerald chose to be cremated and have his ashes buried in the Harrisburg Memorial cemetery. His daughters chose to keep a little of his ashes to carry with them through the rest of their lives to keep him close to them.
Gerald Thomas Crawford Sr., 85 years of age of Harrisburg, Arkansas manifested into pure spirit leaving his physical body at 3:15 p.m. November 10, 2016.
He was born January 25, 1931 in Vanndale, Arkansas son of W.I. Crawford SR. and Rosalee Rooks Crawford, both deceased.
Gerald married Barbara Lee on March 17,1956, they were married for 60 years of love, friendship, parenting, politicking, growth and maybe a little bickering along the way.
Together they created Three Daughters Tamera Crawford Atha, of Dallas, TX., whom passed away, November 1, 2015, Tommi Crawford of Branson, MO., and Terri Crawford Box of Dallas, TX., and their youngest child Gerald Thomas Crawford Jr. of Harrisburg, AR. Gerald finally got his boy, he was so happy.
His Brothers W.I. Crawford JR.of Harrisburg, AR, Evan Crawford, sister Josephine Edwards both of Mountain Home, AR and his great grand-daughter Makena Byers of Dallas, TX., preceded him in death.
Gerald was survived by his sisters Francis Emmons of Union City, MO, Essie Robinson and Nona Bonham of Jonesboro, AR. Surviving brothers are Rodney Crawford of Nesbitt, MS, Reginald Crawford, and Donnie Crawford of Harrisburg, AR and Sidney Crawford of Jonesboro, AR. Surviving grand-children are Eric Thomas, Crawford Box, Samuel Box, Tara Byers and Jennifer Crawford of Dallas, TX, Nathan Thomas, Dustin Crawford and Andrew Crawford of Harrisburg, AR and Michael Wallin JR. of Walnut Ridge, AR., and 15 surviving great grand-children.
Always an intelligent and hardworking man with an eighth-grade education, Gerald accomplished many great things with his time here on earth. He was very compassionate, especially when it came to the downtrodden struggling families of Poinsett County. He and Barbara owned Crawford Lime and Feed Store for 15 years. During this time,Gerald would always help his fellow man out. Be it with words of encouragement, employment or free water to haul back to their homes. The fortunate folks on Crowley’s Ridge had well water, even if it varied in shades of copper, with a unique aroma of rotten eggs. This inspired Gerald to seek monies and cooperation with the government and residents to develop the Crowley’s Ridge Water Association. Praise God good water on The Ridge. Gerald also raised cattle, hogs, chickens and catfish on the ridge for years. He smoked hams, made sow’s meat and milked the cows to feed his family. Gerald always had a big garden, a pea patch and several corn fields. One summer he even dabbled with growing cotton, which he made the 3 T’s chop and pick. After that summer, Tammi, Tommi and Terri knew they needed an education, they were not successful cotton pickers for sure. Gerald even dug gravel from the ridge to support his family, he was a very resourceful man. Gerald created two residential subdivisions out on Crowley’s Ridge. His philosophy was to help the working man realize the American dream of home ownership. He owner financed land to folks that conventional banks thought too risky. Still today, many families are grateful to him for this opportunity to become home owners instead of renters for life.He became interested in politics in 1966 and ran for Sheriff of Poinsett County, he was successful his third campaign of 1970. His wife Barbara and mother in law Bernice Gardner, would take the three T’s out and campaign door to door every two years. The three T’s would invite their classmates to join then in canvasing the entire county. Many boyfriends countywide were created with all these cute Harrisburg girls out campaigning in the seventies. Being Sheriff was one of his most gratifying experiences. Helping folks, wearing a uniform, driving a sheriff’s car and wearing his signature cowboy hat. His barns were burned to the ground and part of the feed store during his crack down on crime in Poinsett County. However, he stuck with the job, arresting illegal gun runners, solving murder cases, to letting some poor drunk sleep it off in the jail for a night. He was kind and tough with a long reach, during a fist fight he could hold a man away from him with his one long arm extended. The man would keep on swinging, never hitting Gerald’s face, until the man just wore himself out.Then Gerald would take him to Jail or to the man’s home to cool down. Larger than life at 6’ 4” tall, when Gerald walked into a room he was a breath of fresh air, always a smile and a warm hand shake. He was known as The Singing Sheriff, he might not have known all the words, but he loved to dance and sing. During the Poinsett County Fair in the seventies while sheriff, he would have live music every night. Boy, that was some fun fair days if you liked to sing and dance which he did. Gerald took young Bill Clinton, who was running for Arkansas Attorney General at the time, around Poinsett and introduced him to the area. They shared a special bond, since Gerald was one of the first to help him in Northeast Arkansas. The family knew Gerald wasn’t doing well this last election, when he didn’t want to vote. He was letting go of earthly concerns, dwelling more in his spiritual nature. Gerald’s mind stayed sharp throughout his life, until about the last 2 weeks before his passing over to be with The Lord. Got to love an old man with a sharp mind there is tremendous wisdom given, if one chooses to listen. After Gerald and Barbara moved into Woodbriar Nursing Home in August, 2016 he knew all the caregiver’s parents, grand-parents or family members. They all loved him, for this the family is grateful. He even sang one night in the lobby with the band, the song was Satin Sheets, we can see him now enjoying life to the fullest, singing his heart out. We are all missing Gerald, Husband, Daddy, Papaw, Uncle, Sheriff and Friend. We are all blessed to have known him, his strength of character and charisma. A true Southern Gentleman.
A celebration of Gerald Thomas Crawford SR’s Life was held at The Glissen Family Center, First Baptist Church, Jackson Street, Harrisburg Arkansas. Gerald chose to be cremated and have his ashes buried in the Harrisburg Memorial cemetery. His daughters chose to keep a little of his ashes to carry with them through the rest of their lives to keep him close to them.
He was born January 25, 1931 in Vanndale, Arkansas son of W.I. Crawford SR. and Rosalee Rooks Crawford, both deceased.
Gerald married Barbara Lee on March 17,1956, they were married for 60 years of love, friendship, parenting, politicking, growth and maybe a little bickering along the way.
Together they created Three Daughters Tamera Crawford Atha, of Dallas, TX., whom passed away, November 1, 2015, Tommi Crawford of Branson, MO., and Terri Crawford Box of Dallas, TX., and their youngest child Gerald Thomas Crawford Jr. of Harrisburg, AR. Gerald finally got his boy, he was so happy.
His Brothers W.I. Crawford JR.of Harrisburg, AR, Evan Crawford, sister Josephine Edwards both of Mountain Home, AR and his great grand-daughter Makena Byers of Dallas, TX., preceded him in death.
Gerald was survived by his sisters Francis Emmons of Union City, MO, Essie Robinson and Nona Bonham of Jonesboro, AR. Surviving brothers are Rodney Crawford of Nesbitt, MS, Reginald Crawford, and Donnie Crawford of Harrisburg, AR and Sidney Crawford of Jonesboro, AR. Surviving grand-children are Eric Thomas, Crawford Box, Samuel Box, Tara Byers and Jennifer Crawford of Dallas, TX, Nathan Thomas, Dustin Crawford and Andrew Crawford of Harrisburg, AR and Michael Wallin JR. of Walnut Ridge, AR., and 15 surviving great grand-children.
Always an intelligent and hardworking man with an eighth-grade education, Gerald accomplished many great things with his time here on earth. He was very compassionate, especially when it came to the downtrodden struggling families of Poinsett County. He and Barbara owned Crawford Lime and Feed Store for 15 years. During this time,Gerald would always help his fellow man out. Be it with words of encouragement, employment or free water to haul back to their homes. The fortunate folks on Crowley’s Ridge had well water, even if it varied in shades of copper, with a unique aroma of rotten eggs. This inspired Gerald to seek monies and cooperation with the government and residents to develop the Crowley’s Ridge Water Association. Praise God good water on The Ridge. Gerald also raised cattle, hogs, chickens and catfish on the ridge for years. He smoked hams, made sow’s meat and milked the cows to feed his family. Gerald always had a big garden, a pea patch and several corn fields. One summer he even dabbled with growing cotton, which he made the 3 T’s chop and pick. After that summer, Tammi, Tommi and Terri knew they needed an education, they were not successful cotton pickers for sure. Gerald even dug gravel from the ridge to support his family, he was a very resourceful man. Gerald created two residential subdivisions out on Crowley’s Ridge. His philosophy was to help the working man realize the American dream of home ownership. He owner financed land to folks that conventional banks thought too risky. Still today, many families are grateful to him for this opportunity to become home owners instead of renters for life.He became interested in politics in 1966 and ran for Sheriff of Poinsett County, he was successful his third campaign of 1970. His wife Barbara and mother in law Bernice Gardner, would take the three T’s out and campaign door to door every two years. The three T’s would invite their classmates to join then in canvasing the entire county. Many boyfriends countywide were created with all these cute Harrisburg girls out campaigning in the seventies. Being Sheriff was one of his most gratifying experiences. Helping folks, wearing a uniform, driving a sheriff’s car and wearing his signature cowboy hat. His barns were burned to the ground and part of the feed store during his crack down on crime in Poinsett County. However, he stuck with the job, arresting illegal gun runners, solving murder cases, to letting some poor drunk sleep it off in the jail for a night. He was kind and tough with a long reach, during a fist fight he could hold a man away from him with his one long arm extended. The man would keep on swinging, never hitting Gerald’s face, until the man just wore himself out.Then Gerald would take him to Jail or to the man’s home to cool down. Larger than life at 6’ 4” tall, when Gerald walked into a room he was a breath of fresh air, always a smile and a warm hand shake. He was known as The Singing Sheriff, he might not have known all the words, but he loved to dance and sing. During the Poinsett County Fair in the seventies while sheriff, he would have live music every night. Boy, that was some fun fair days if you liked to sing and dance which he did. Gerald took young Bill Clinton, who was running for Arkansas Attorney General at the time, around Poinsett and introduced him to the area. They shared a special bond, since Gerald was one of the first to help him in Northeast Arkansas. The family knew Gerald wasn’t doing well this last election, when he didn’t want to vote. He was letting go of earthly concerns, dwelling more in his spiritual nature. Gerald’s mind stayed sharp throughout his life, until about the last 2 weeks before his passing over to be with The Lord. Got to love an old man with a sharp mind there is tremendous wisdom given, if one chooses to listen. After Gerald and Barbara moved into Woodbriar Nursing Home in August, 2016 he knew all the caregiver’s parents, grand-parents or family members. They all loved him, for this the family is grateful. He even sang one night in the lobby with the band, the song was Satin Sheets, we can see him now enjoying life to the fullest, singing his heart out. We are all missing Gerald, Husband, Daddy, Papaw, Uncle, Sheriff and Friend. We are all blessed to have known him, his strength of character and charisma. A true Southern Gentleman.
A celebration of Gerald Thomas Crawford SR’s Life was held at The Glissen Family Center, First Baptist Church, Jackson Street, Harrisburg Arkansas. Gerald chose to be cremated and have his ashes buried in the Harrisburg Memorial cemetery. His daughters chose to keep a little of his ashes to carry with them through the rest of their lives to keep him close to them.
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Advertisement
