Nathan Lewis Crawford's Obituary
Nathan (Nate) L. Crawford (1933 – 2024)
“Friend to All”
Nathan L. Crawford, almost 91, Huntersville, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, July 1, 2024. Having never met a stranger, Nate will be remembered by all who knew him for his willingness to share a story and a tomato sandwich.
Born July 23, 1933, in Iredell County, NC, Nate was the son of the late Blake and Blanche Crawford. Following graduation from Celeste Henkle High School in 1951, Nate served in the U.S. Marine Corps for two years and was stationed in Japan following the Korean War. He returned to college and received his B.A. degree from Lenoir-Rhyne College and, later, his Master’s degree from UNC Charlotte. Nate began his teaching career in Orlando, Florida. In 1965, he returned to the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System and initially taught at West Mecklenburg High School. The majority of his teaching career was spent at North Mecklenburg High School, where he taught Industrial Co-operative Training. He is remembered by many of his former students who visited often and are successful in business because of his efforts.
Nate is survived by the love of his life and wife of almost 70 years, Doris (Brown) Crawford; two sons, Dr. John Crawford (Eva) of Charlotte, NC, and Dr. Charles Crawford (Kerri) of North Augusta, SC; five grandchildren, Sam, Rachel (Brian), Peter, Luke (Ashley Rae), and Kabugo Brian; and numerous nieces and nephews. Nate is also survived by siblings Wesley Crawford and Kathleen Phipps, both of Statesville, NC. Nate was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Crawford, of Statesville, NC.
Nate was a member of Cowan’s Ford Country Club at Lake Norman (Stanley, NC) and a member of High Meadows Country Club in Roaring Gap, NC, where he and Doris had a summer home for many years. He was also a member of the Long Creek Masonic Lodge and a past Master of Williams Lodge. In addition to golfing, Nate enjoyed reading, gardening, beekeeping, house painting, traveling, cooking, and attending old mountain music events in NC, VA, and WV. He enjoyed people and making conversations with strangers. He took pleasure in sharing his garden with neighbors and friends. His grandchildren fondly recall his “apple parties”.
Nate was a member of Huntersville Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon and elder, as well as chairman of the Building Committee in the mid-1980’s. Nate was recognized by the church as an Elder Emeritus in 2013. Funeral services will be held at Huntersville Presbyterian Church (14416 S. Old Statesville Road) on Friday, July 5, at 11am, after a private graveside service for family. The Reverand T. Doug Ferguson will officiate. The family will receive friends following the service in the Family Life Center at the church.
Memorials may be sent to the Huntersville Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 313, Huntersville, NC, 28070.
Online condolences may be made at http://jamesfuneralhomelkn.com/.
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