Mr. Jeff Crawford

Mr. Jeff Crawford was born July 20, 1936, in Texarkana, Arkansas to Cleo Crawford and Lula Hawkins Crawford, both preceded him in death. He departed this life at his residence in Albany, GA on June 8, 2022. He gave his life to Christ at an early age and joined Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Texarkana, AR.

He completed his formal education at Booker T. Washington High School in Texarkana, Arkansas. At the age of 19, he joined the military and faithfully served his country in the U. S. Marine Corps for 30 years. He served during the Vietnam Era, progressed through the ranks and retired in February 1986 achieving the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant (MGySgt/E9).

He was joined in holy matrimony to Minnie P. (Patti) Hunt from Philadelphia, PA. After retirement, Jeff and Patti made their home in Albany, GA where they developed long lasting friendships. Although they had no biological children they helped to raise many children and pets as their own. They have been surrounded by a village of caring and committed friends from near and far over the years.

Jeff enjoyed reading the daily Albany Herald, playing pinochle, watching sports; especially the L.A. Lakers, the Atlanta Falcons and the Atlanta Braves. He also kept up with all Albany State University (ASU) sports and activities.

In addition to his parents, Jeff was preceded in death by his brother Royce Crawford, his sister-in-law, Julia Mae Perkins; two of his best friends, Lon J. Carey and Marion Poindexter and his special kid with paws, Missy Bryant. As Jeff began to decline from the effects of Parkinson Disease, AFIB and Dementia he maintained a zeal for life and his spirit was always high as he greeted everyone with a smile and a good word when they came by to visit.

He leaves to cherish his memories his loving and devoted wife, Patti, of over (48) years; one sister Cleo Crawford, Texarkana, AR, two cousins, Rosie Miller of Gardena, CA, and Willie Williams (Precious) of Carson, CA, three sisters-in-law; Evelyn Urquhart, Darlene Rice Long, Juanita Wilson and one brother-in-law Joseph Gaskin (Anita) all of Philadelphia, PA. He leaves many loving and caring nieces and nephews to include, Dionne Allison Mobley, Donna Terrell (Brian), Gail Hannah, Edward (Curly) Cody, John Bynum (Kim), Rodney Rice and Cheryl (Kitty) Haigler along with a host of additional nieces, nephews and cousins. Special recognition is extended to supportive friends Barbara and Les Banks, Pamela Character Bryant, Mary Collier, Oscar and Jonelle Cooks, Pat and Wayne Shaw, Keith and Brenda Shy, Princeton, Marva and Mikayla White, Rodney and Rhonda Pettit, John Drake, Mack and Tania Williams, Addene Cooks, Doris Carey, Thomas Capers, Robert (Bob) Douglas and a host of caring and devoted friends. A special thank you is extended to caregivers Veronica McCoy, Guylia Outlaw Floyd, Hope Anderson and USMC brother-in-arms, Anthony Wade. He also cherished the trusted companionships of his other special kid with paws, Marley Collier. Jeff was a loving and devoted man; he will be missed by all who came to know him.

The services for Mr. Jeff Crawford will be livestreamed and can be viewed by going to our Poteat-Wakefield Funeral Directors. Please click the link below. 

https://youtu.be/2OVQbAzoLiw