William Joseph Crawford,'s Obituary
Billy Crawford, 54, of Concord, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, February 28, 2017 after a courageous two year battle with colon cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family, who cherished him for the strength and joy he brought to their lives each day.
Billy was born on September 10, 1962 in Florida to the late William J Crawford Sr. and Mary Robinson Crawford. He and his brother Bryan grew up in Charlotte, where they enjoyed playing baseball, riding bikes and just being "Paw Creek boys.” Billy graduated from West Mecklenburg ( '80 ) where he played football and baseball. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Western Carolina University.
Billy began his career with Barclays Financial in Charlotte; however, he was best known as a loyal employee with One Main Financial, formerly Citi Financial, where he served as a Senior Account Specialist. Billy’s work ethic and commitment to his job and his work family, even while struggling with cancer, were just a few of his tremendous traits.
Billy will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, committed son, a loyal friend and family member, and a faithful Christian. Most of all, he’ll be remembered for his “big heart.” He was a proud member of Hickory Grove United Methodist Church, where he volunteered as a youth leader and served through the Room in the Inn ministry. He was actively involved in the Epiphany ministry and had a huge impact on young lives at the Foothills Correctional Institute and Stonewall Jackson Juvenile Detention Center, where he had the privilege to serve as a lay leader. Other volunteer efforts included serving as a proud dad in the Pride of Robinson Marching Band “Pit Crew” for eight years.
Billy’s greatest passion and love was for his family – Suzy, his wife of 26 years; his daughter Ryn and “son-in-love” Brent Messenger, and his daughter Neely. He made their lives full and complete, and his love will live on through them forever!
Other survivors include his brother Bryan (Sara) and his niece Clara, Jerri and Eddie Haigler (sister and brother-in-law) and nephew William, his uncle David Robinson (Jan), cousins Michael (Renee) and their children Will and Landon, and Douglas (Buab) and their son Ty, and mother-in-law Helen James Presson.
A Celebration of Life Service for Billy will be held on Sunday, March 5 at 4:15 p.m. at Hickory Grove United Methodist Church in Charlotte. A reception will follow the service. Those attending the celebration service are asked to bring non-perishable food items for the church’s backpack ministry (breakfast, lunch and dinner items).Memorials may be made to the Helping Hands Fund at Hickory Grove United Methodist Church (6401 Hickory Grove Road, Charlotte, NC 28215) or the charity of your choice.
The family would like to thank the numerous medical professionals that helped to keep our "Teflon Man's" cape flowing in the wind. Billy began his battle with cancer in December 2014; he won his ultimate victory and received his eternal reward in heaven on February 28, 2017.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. – 2 Timothy 4:7-8
James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family. www.jamesfuneralhomeLKN.com.
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