John Franklin Crawford, U.S. Army-Ret., departed this life from his sister’s home in Tupelo on Sunday, June 23, 2024, after an extended illness. He was 77 years old. Born in Ripley on Oct. 12, 1946 to the lineage of Wayne Elliott Crawford and Odie Elizabeth Norton, Johnny graduated from Central High School in Jackson and later received his BS Degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. A deeply patriotic American, he answered the call of duty and served in the Vietnam War as well as seeing action in Desert Storm. Retiring as a Master Sergeant, he bravely and valiantly served his country for over 23 years. He moved to the Tupelo area 10 years ago. Never married, he enjoyed spending time with his siblings, nieces and nephews.
A private family graveside service will be held in coming days. He will be interred near his parents at Pine Hill Cemetery north of Ripley. There will be no public visitation, per his request. Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo is honored to serve the family.
Johnny is survived by three siblings, Bobbye Woolam of Tupelo who was his primary caregiver the last four years as well as her son and his special nephew, Corey Woolam; Glenda Twilley, and Ann Wieze, both of Georgia; and six beloved nieces and nephews and their families.
Memorials may be made to the Tupelo Veteran’s Park Maintenance Fund, P. O. Box 3608, Tupelo, MS 38803. Condolences may be posted on Johnny’s memorial page at hollandfuneraldirectors.com.
