of Harrison, AR

June 28, 1929 - June 20, 2020

Ray ''Smokey'' Crawford, who was born June 28, 1929, in Valley Springs, Arkansas, the son of Reginald William ''Sam'' and Delcie May (Raulston) Crawford, passed away Saturday, June 20, 2020, at Ozark Health Medical Center in Clinton, Arkansas. Along with his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Berneace Mae (Willis) Crawford; his brothers and sisters, Charles William, Lillie May Ragland, Dorothy Rob Jefferson, Dan Robert, Reginald Leon, James Wesley, Roy, Boyd Gene, Billy Joe, Elisabeth Lou Finn, and Virginia Lee Wright.

Ray grew up and attended school at Valley Springs. He worked in his father's blacksmith shop and on the farm. From 1952 to 1954 he served in the Korean War where he was a machine gunman in a tank alongside his twin brother, Roy, also in a tank. Upon his return from Korea, he went to work for J. P. Williams Auto and Body Shop where he did bodywork. He also took care of Mr. William's farm along with his buddy John Ronald Williams. When a tornado hit the car lot, Ray got hurt along with many others. Eventually, Ray started his own body shop. He also worked at Pace Industries. Upon retiring he worked on his farm.

Ray was a very loving father. He loved cattle and horses and taught his children to ride and work on the farm. He loved to play Pitch with Berneace and friends, Bob Kimes and Bob and Dorothy Patfield. Ray and Berneace will celebrate their 61st wedding anniversary in Heaven.

Ray is survived by his children, Jack Brewer, Glenda Fitzhugh, Gwenda Brewer, and Steve and Teresa Brewer; twelve grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and a host of other family and friends.


Visitation was 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Wednesday, June 24, 2020, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home.

Funeral service was 10:00 AM, Thursday, June 25, 2020, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home, with Pastor David Towe officiating. Interment was in Maple Leaf Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Ron Lowery, Johnny Crawford, Randy Kimes, Jim Kimes, John Ronald Williams, and Danny Criner.

Honorary pallbearers were Dr. Roy Lee, Howard Young, Kenneth Young, James R. Ellis, Trent A. Brewer, Preston R. Brassfield, Shane C. Brewer, Kory S. Brewer, and Aaron Allred.



Roller-Christeson Funeral Home is complying with the Arkansas Department of Health guidelines for COVID-19 and limiting indoor funeral and visitation attendance to 50 people at one time. All attendees must provide and wear their own masks before entering.

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