Russell E. Crawford
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Russell E. Crawford , 71 Sep 13, 1947 - Jun 26, 2019 Russell E. (Buddy) Crawford, 71, of Salem, Va., went to be with his Lord on Wednesday, June 26, 2019.
He was born and raised in Hagerstown, Md., graduating in 1965 from North Hagerstown High School. Russ served in the United States Navy from 1966 to 1969, which included a tour of Vietnam onboard the USS Ticonderoga. He worked in manufacturing for 50 years and retired as plant manager at Semco.
Russ was a member at First Baptist Church of Roanoke, where he served as Chairman of Deacons. He loved his Lord and loved serving Him and others. Russ was a member of Gideons International.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl L. Crawford Sr. and Lucille O'Brien Crawford.
Buddy is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 53 years, Betty J. Crawford; three daughters, Pam Cook and husband, David, Stephanie Brown and husband, Elbert, and Kelly Wiseman and husband, Eric; a special nephew who thought of Buddy as a father, Jeff Short and wife, Michelle; five grandchildren, Rachel Dufault and husband, Drake, Russell Cook, Alexandra Whirle and husband, Chad, Chelsea Watson and husband, Randy, and Hannah Wiseman; a great-granddaughter, Gracie Jane Whirle; a brother, Earl L. "Buck" Crawford Jr. and wife, Sandy; a sister, Dottie L. Crider and Bob; and many special nieces and nephews.
A Graveside Service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 29, 2019, from Sherwood Memorial Park, with a memorial service at 1 p.m. on Saturday from First Baptist Church of Roanoke with Dr. Bryan E. Smith officiating. The family will receive friends from 4 until 7 p.m. on Friday, June 28, 2019, at First Baptist Church of Roanoke.
In lieu of flowers and in honor of his memory, Russ would approve of memorials being made to the Benevolence Ministry of First Baptist Church, 310 N. Jefferson Street, Roanoke, VA 24016, to help those who have needs in his church family.
Arrangements for the family are being handled by Oakey's Funeral Service - Roanoke Chapel, Roanoke, Va., (540) 982-2100. Online condolences may be made at www.oakeys.com.