Funeral Services for Mr. James Donald Crawford, age 90 of Ashland, will be held on Monday, September 11, 2023 at Benefield Funeral Home in Ashland at 2:00 P.M. with Bro. Roger Green officiating. Burial will follow at Sardis Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mr. Crawford passed away on Friday, September 8, 2023 at the Clay County Nursing Home. He has been a lifelong Clay County Resident, and disciplined hard working man for most of his life. As a young man, he worked as a pulpwooder and in the West Point Cotton mill in Lanett and Bemiston respectively. After a small stint working at Planters Hardware, he served as an equipment operator and supervisor for the Clay County road department until he retired. Mr. Crawford was an avid animal lover, taking in stray dogs, barnyard animals and rabbits. He collected hummingbird figurines, filling up several rooms and buildings full, and once he started a hobby, he would always go 100%. Mr. Crawford provided his family, keeping a roof over their heads and food on the table, all while faithfully serving his wife of nearly 72 years. He was a member and deacon of Gods House in Hackneyville.
Mr. Crawford is survived by his wife of 71 years, Joyce Ann Suggs Crawford; his daughter, Brenda Jean Wheeles (David); two sons: Bo Crawford (Terri) and Runt Crawford (Donna), all of Ashland; eight grandchildren: Jon Crawford (Nicole), Allison Trimble, Bridget Wheeles, Shelley Crawford, Don Crawford (Lori), Heidi Williams (Richard), Josie Wilson (Robert), and Nolan Crawford (Jessika); 27 great-grandchildren; three sisters: Katie Ann McCain, Polly Bauchman, both of Ashland, and Debra Jordan (Emil) of Cragford; four brothers: Terry Crawford (Atrice) of Millerville, Jimmy Crawford of Ashland, Joe Crawford (Runa) of Cragford, and Roger Crawford (Vicki) of Wadley, plus a large extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents: James Hubert and Annie Lucille Reeves Crawford; one sister, Martha Frances Brand; and one brother, Robert Crawford.
Jon Crawford, Don Crawford, Nolan Crawford, Jamie Crawford, Troy Gill, and Bryan Lucas will serve as active pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Men of God’s House Church.
His visitation will take place on Monday, September 11, 2023 from 12:00 P.M. until service time at 2:00 P.M.
