Fred Thomas Crawford, 79, passed away peacefully at his home in Poquoson, Virginia, on Monday, September 7, 2026, surrounded by the life and memories of a family he loved deeply.
Fred was born on December 7, 1946, in Carlisle, Kentucky, to Elmer Lee Crawford and Pearl Augustine Crawford. He grew up with the values that would remain with him throughout his life: hard work, loyalty, service, and, above all, devotion to family.
As a young man, Fred answered his country’s call and served honorably in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, attaining the rank of Specialist Four. His military service was an important chapter in a life characterized by commitment, responsibility, and quiet strength.
Following his service in the Army, Fred began working for General Motors. He later continued his career in public service with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he remained until his final retirement in 2010. After a lifetime of hard work, retirement gave Fred more time for the things he enjoyed most—God, his family, fishing, and settling in to watch the old Westerns like Gunsmoke, and Laramie that he loved.
Of all the titles Fred held throughout his life, however, none meant more than husband, Dad, Papaw, and Great-Papaw.
Fred was a loving and caring father with a gentle heart. To his sons, he was always the “softie”—the one they knew they could go to when they needed something, whether that meant advice, help, understanding, or simply their dad. His love for his family was constant, and that love only seemed to grow as his family did.
His grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought tremendous happiness to his life. Few things could make Fred light up the way they could, and his great-granddaughters held an especially tender place in his heart. Watching his family grow across generations was one of the great joys of his life.
Fred is survived by his loving wife, Connie Raye Crawford; his two sons, James Terah Crawford and his wife, Cynthia Joy Crawford, and Justin Thomas Crawford and his wife, Marcie Ann Crawford.
James and Cynthia’s children are Seth Thomas Crawford, Daniel Ryan Crawford, Joel Hunter Crawford, and Mark LaTour Crawford. Seth’s daughters, Fred’s great-granddaughters, are Payton Raye Crawford, Scarlett Rose Crawford, and Mariah Joy Crawford.
Justin and Marcie’s children are Gabrielle Maria Martell and her husband, Joshua Ivan Martell; Jacob Luis Murillo and his wife, Emily Belen Murillo; and Jewellianna Louise Murillo. Jacob and Emily’s daughter, Lucia Belen Murillo, was another of Fred’s beloved great-granddaughters.
Fred is also survived by his sister, SiRita Doyle.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer Lee Crawford and Pearl Augustine Crawford; his older brother, Donald Lee Crawford, his wife Joan; and his brother-in-law, Bob Doyle, and his nephew Tommy Allen.
Fred’s life cannot be measured simply by the years he lived, the places he worked, or even the service he gave to his country. His greatest legacy can be seen in the family that surrounded him and in the generations that came after him.
Those who loved Fred will miss his presence, his kindness, his gentle heart, and the comfort of simply knowing he was there. They will remember a man who enjoyed a good day of fishing, an old Western on television, and, more than anything else, time spent with his family.
His was a life of service, hard work, family, and love—and he will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 19 at 3:00 p.m.at Northampton Church of Christ, 1409 Todds Lane, Hampton, VA.
Contributions in Fred’s memory can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.