Willie Crawford, JR.

Willie “Pete” Crawford, Jr. was born on January 31, 1950, in Conway, SC, and raised in the Bayboro community of Loris, SC by his loving grandparents, Dossie and Hattie Graham. He attended public schools and graduated from Finklea High School in 1968, where he served as class president.

Following high school, Willie served two tours of duty in Vietnam with the United States Army, working as a door gunner, crew chief, and flight engineer on Chinook helicopters. His pocket Bible was a constant companion during this challenging period. After his Vietnam service, Willie earned an associate degree from Horry Georgetown Technical College and worked for the City of North Myrtle Beach. He later enlisted in the United States Army National Guard, where he served for over twenty-six years, including a deployment during Operation Desert Shield/Storm. Willie’s dedication and excellence in the Army earned him numerous decorations, medals, badges, and campaign ribbons. He retired honorably in July 1997.

Post-military, Willie worked as a Close Combat Tactical Maneuvering Training Specialist with Department of Defense contract companies, retiring in 2009. He remained active in his community, epitomizing honor, duty, and selfless service. Willie was a member of the Prince Hall New Zion Lodge #355 F&AM and the Concerned Men of the Community Group, participating in numerous civic and community projects.

A dedicated member of Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church, Willie served in many roles, including Sunday School Superintendent, Trustee, Budget Committee Chairman, usher, and member of the male chorus, audio-visual technical team, and prayer warriors’ group.

Willie was also committed to the Finklea Alumni Association, having served as President and aiding in the acquisition of the school and various charitable events. He was a member of the Silver Star Cemetery #2 Management Committee from its inception until his death, demonstrating his dedication to service and community.

A music enthusiast, Willie shared his passion for music with his children and enjoyed road trips and exploring new areas. He and his beloved wife, Bessie, embarked on numerous adventures, across the U.S. and abroad, instilling a love for travel and exploration in their family. Willie meticulously planned their journeys, ensuring every trip was educational and enriching, creating lasting memories for his grandchildren.

Willie’s devotion and affection for his wife, children, and grandchildren were evident to all who knew him. He took great pride in his children's achievements and cherished time with his grandchildren, leaving a legacy of curiosity, kindness, and love for exploration. His joy in helping others extended beyond his family to friends and the community.

Willie leaves behind his beloved wife, Bessie G. Crawford; sons, Keith Sutton and Christopher L. Gore; daughters, Bonnie G. (Patrick) Garnette and Dr. Willette M. Crawford; granddaughters, Zakelia Sutton and Nyashia Sutton; grandsons, Christian M. Garnette and Nazir Sutton; his loving mother, Willa Mae Crawford; sisters, Lorraine (Henry) Jones and Jacqueline Pennington; three aunts, Lena Harper, Lorraine Lassiter and Rosa Lee Dozier; seven sisters-in-law, Betty Gore Best, Hattie (Wilbur) Graham, Carolyn Jenerette, Alfreda Gore, Peggy Gore Ellahi, Sheila Gore Barber, and Eleanor Gore; six dear nephews, Isaiah (Tina) Crawford, Elijah Crawford, Ryan Joseph, Aren Joseph, 

Daniel Joseph, and Rashad Joseph; 

special nieces, Joan D. Gore and Selena (Rodney) Wells; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Dossie and Hattie Graham; father, Willie H. Crawford; brothers, Bobby Crawford and Steven Crawford; and nephew, Jarrett T. Jesse. 

Willie “Pete” Crawford, Jr. will be deeply missed but never forgotten. His legacy of service, love, and adventure continues to inspire all who knew him.

The Viewing will be held Saturday June 22, 2024 at Latimer's Funeral Home 2-6PM.

The Funeral will be held Sunday, June 23,2024  at Mt. Olive MBC in Bayboro 3PM. Burial will follow in The Silver Star Cemetery with Military Honors.

The family welcomes memorial donations to National Kidney Foundation

(www.kidney.org)

Instead of flowers please. in honor of Willie Crawford,Jr.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.