of West Memphis, AR
July 4, 1944 - January 10, 2021
Bernie Crawford, passed from this life on January 10, 2021.
He was preceded in death by his loving spouse, Brenda Crawford; his parents, Marrion and Mary Crawford; his brothers, Buford Crawford, James Crawford, and Marrion Crawford; as well as his sisters, Ruthie Ann Crawford, and Mary Eubanks.
Those left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Melissa Griggs, and Dee Dee Schanick; his brothers, David Crawford and Charley Crawford; his sister, Becky Thomas; as well as his grandchildren, Gregrey Schanick, Alexis Griggs, and Landon Griggs, and Aleiah Weatherly.
Our daddy was a man of many trades. As a young 15 year old he managed to get his birth certificate changed to a year older so he could enter the US Airforce. Upon finding out what happened he was Honorably Discharged. He then entered the Army (legally) and fought for his country. He loved the USA until his death with a great love. After leaving the Army with an Honorable Discharge, he married our momma in 1962 until her home going just 9 short weeks ago sharing 58 beautiful years. Dad was a face of many trades, he worked the cotton fields, he worked the factory in the day time and he became a professional wrestler, where he wrestled under the names Billy Lions and the Green Hornet. Going to a match one afternoon, God spoke to him and said this is your last match. He turned to momma and told her what God said. He was done that night. He tossed his cigarettes' out the window, got to my Grandpa Johnson and thus began his journey with Jesus. God called him to preach. He pastored in Manila, Arkansas, built 2 churches, one in Brinkley, Arkansas and South Haven, Michigan. He then evangelized for 16 years. He retired here in West Memphis and lived here till God called him home. While visiting Dee Dee in Michigan. As stated he medically died of Covid complications but we all know he died of a broken heart missing his bride. He was the best Daddy God ever created, the most amazing Paw Paw to his four grands, and a fantastic father-in-law.
Thank You Daddy for all your love. We miss you so bad.
Visitation will be held at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home on Monday, January 18, 2021 from 5 8pm.
Funeral Services will be held at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at 11:00am.
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home will be following guidelines issued by the local Department of Health and the CDC regarding COVID-19. Social distancing of at least six feet is recommended for outdoor services and all funeral attendees are requested to wear masks.
Online condolences may be made at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/WestMemphis.
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22 Condolence(s)
Melissa Griggs
Saturday, April 16, 2022
Daddy I got on your obituary today and realized I never signed it. I just wanted to leave a word as I did on moms. My life changed forever losing you both just 8 weeks apart. I read all the kind words from others again and what stood out the most was your love for God. I will forever be grateful for the heritage you left for me and my family. I still miss you so bad and I cry almost daily from your absence in this life. I promise you this I will see you again. Until then signing off… your forever “daddy’s girl†love you pops
Brenda Cain
Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Melissa & Dee Dee, so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. I remember him always having a smile on his face and a joke to make you laugh. I know you will truly miss him. Best regards. Love and prayers at this time.
I am also sadden to hear of your mom's passing. Life goes on and we all loose touch with one another. My best regards in her passing as well.
Lynn Pritchard Cauffman
Monday, January 18, 2021
Dee Dee and Melissa I am sorry for the loss of your Dad. Memories oh where do I begin...first preacher I heard preach the gospel. Brother and Sister Crawford had a huge impact on my life. Brother Crawford was a true friend to my Dad...until the day my Dad passed away. You will be truly missed but never forgotten. Love you all.
Karen Klimek (Castle)
Monday, January 18, 2021
Melissa and DeeDee,
So sorry for your loss of both wonderful parents, I enjoyed them both so much when Melissa watched Kelsey for me. I could not of asked for a more loving care giver for my Kelsey. When they grow up to be young adults you look back and thank the most important ones and it was both of you girls and your parents were a true blessing. I am glad they got to see there grandchildren grow up and become young adults it means so much. Take care and know they watch and love from above and will always be in your hearts.
God Bless,
Karen
Norman Eubanks
Sunday, January 17, 2021
I am so sorry about Bernie, He was a great Christian Friend. He always gave me such wisdom about spiritual and Veterans matters. He will be missed, My heart is sadden. Bernie and I have had many lunches when we worked at the Post Office and had many laughs together.
Sally Crabtree
Sunday, January 17, 2021
My husband and I had the privilege and honor to know brother Crawford, we had wonderful memories and great times at church.
Pastor Eddie Watson
Sunday, January 17, 2021
Just wanted to say I never thought you girls would never had to go through this so soon we are praying for all of y’all may God keep you and strengthen you all love your family in Florida
Gary
Saturday, January 16, 2021
Ba and I grew up together at Roseland Arkansas. We chopped cotton, picked cotton, swam in Dell ditch, we had a lot of fun. We worked hard, we played hard. I’ve always liked Ba I know he will greatly missed. I’m sorry I won’t be able to come to the funeral. I’m also pastor of Blackwell Baptist Church. I send love and prayers for the entire family.
Melania & Steven Commins
Saturday, January 16, 2021
We love Ma &Pa they were always so kind, funny and just great people to be around will miss his silly self. Love them to the heavens and back
Lisa Wilson
Saturday, January 16, 2021
Oh how I’m going to miss Bro. Crawford. I will forever cherish his laughs, talks about the Lord, and his love for my family. He and Nena wrapped their arms around my children and treated them as their own, making sure they knew he and Jesus loved them dearly. Bro. Crawford lived a life that truly exemplified what we Christians should strive for, sharing God’s word daily through love. Thank you, Bro Crawford, for sharing your love and your family with me. I love you more then words can describe.
Pastor Bobby Helms
Saturday, January 16, 2021
So many vivid memories! I coukd go on and on. We love Bro & Sis Crawford and their kids. We are praying strength for the family in their grieving over the two tragic losses they have suffer this past couple months.
Deanna fox/ Harris
Saturday, January 16, 2021
You change my life as an 11 year old girl that walked into the Manila Arkansas Church.
I never wanted to visit a church when invited to any they seemed very boring to me but when I walked into the church that you preached you were so powerful it was so exciting it was so wonderful and God got a hold of this little girl.
I kept coming back your services were like a Revival every night every Sunday.
I look back on that day many times with tears as I even say these words that I am trying to write.
In 1973 as a young girl Idid not know that I really needed God and especially needed him for the future I am so thankful I am so thankful I would have not even been in this type of life if I had not went that day.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING MY FIRST PASTOR.
I LOVED YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
Aaron Crawford
Friday, January 15, 2021
Uncle BA, you were truly one of a kind. I love you more than I could have ever told you. You never gave up on me. I slid off the path a couple times. You always would tell me, “son no matter where you go, you’re never so far away from Jesus.â€
I can’t thank you enough for all the prayers, all the talks. I’ll never forget our last lunch together.
To say you were one of a kind is an understatement. A master or words, a friend to everyone (unless you wanted to watch a different news channel 😉), and most importantly a servant of the most high, the living God, Jesus!
Thank you, Uncle BA. I’ll take everything I’ve learned from you and go out to bring in the harvest as you did for so long.
I love you, and I can’t wait to see you one day as we stand before Jesus.
Bobby n Patty Smith
Friday, January 15, 2021
BRO.CRAWFORD, YOU WERE N STILL ARE A GREAT FRIEND, YOU WILL BE MISSED VERY MUCH, GOD'S GOT ANOTHER SHEPHERD FOR HIS WORK, YOU N MAMA B ARE TOGETHA AGAIN, LOVE N MISS YOU BOTH.
BOBBY, PATTY SMITH
DAVID CRAWFORD
Friday, January 15, 2021
You were. You are. You always will be my brother. I hope you know just how much I love you. How you could tell a story was a gift. How you could make me laugh are memories to cherish. Can you read this Well, you are more alive now than you have ever been. I could keep on. Still, a family reunion is on the way. See you again down the road. David
Chasity Weatherly
Friday, January 15, 2021
I met this sweet man 5.5 years ago when his grandson Landon my soon to be son in love ask Aleiah to be his girlfriend. He made many trips to Somerville to drop off and pick Aleiah. I wanna thank him for the impact he made in our lives and for taking my girl and loving her like his own. You raised some wonderful kids and help raise some greater grands. Enjoy your reward!!
Becky Thomas
Friday, January 15, 2021
Missing you my sweet brother, will always remember our phone calls and you calling me your sweet sister or just sis, give momma a big hug for me in heaven and the rest of our family, I think of your seeing Jesus and really makes me homesick to see him too. Until we meet again, love you bro!!
Karen Holt
Friday, January 15, 2021
Brenda and Bernie crawford were me and my husband's best friends for many many years. we did things together, we went places together, and we always had a wonderful time never any harsh words spoken between us. They were family not just friends. He was our pastor two different times and a wonderful one and we had a awesome church. Only Time Will Heal My broken heart for my Forever Friends, but I will see them again and we will get to spend eternity together. Love you bro and mert
Lora Renea Hutchison
Friday, January 15, 2021
Dee Dee Melissa and family
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad passing. He and your Mother both were wonderful people. I love them both and I am blessed to have know them. Praying for comfort and peace ðŸ•Šï¸ I love y'all â¤ï¸
Renea and Joe
Hutchison ðŸ™ðŸ»
DeeDee Schanick
Friday, January 15, 2021
Daddy there are no words to even come close to expressing how hurt I am and how lonely I feel. You was absolutely the best daddy God ever created. I will miss you so much but I know your now with momma and all sickness and pain are gone . Remember. I’ll always be your oldest baby girl . 😢💔💔💔
DAVID R. ASHLEY
Thursday, January 14, 2021
YOU ARE GONNA BE MISSED , MY FRIEND. AT LEAST EVERYONE KNOWS THAT YOU ARE IN A WONDERFUL PLACE NOW.........
John johnson
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
To say Uncle BA was unique would be an understatement. He had a way with words, from writing music to being silly and cracking jokes. He could make you laugh then bring you to tears and right back to laughter all in one conversation. He loved the Lord and he loved his family and was not afraid to let you know. Dee Dee and Melissa my deepest sympathy, thoughts, prayers and unwavering love are with you throughout your time of heartbreak.