Larry Andrew Crawford

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Celebrating the life of
Larry Andrew CrawfordDecember 03, 1949 - December 17, 2006

Larry A Crawford died Sunday, December 17, 2006 at Hospice of Savannah after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Born on December 3, 1949 he was life long resident of Savannah and a communicant of St. James Catholic Church. A partner in ownership of the Brick Company, he was a well known and respected member of the business community, having worked in the building industry for many years. He was a longstanding member of the Home Builders Association. He attended Savannah High School and Armstrong State College where he earned a degree in Business Administration. He joined the Georgia National Guard in 1968 and served as a loadmaster .
Larry will be remembered for many things: his generosity, his love of family, his good judgment in business, and his love of sports, particularly baseball. Larry’s love of baseball began early in his life and was fostered by his father; the late Daniel. C. Crawford. His passion for the sport was evidenced through his baseball card collection, his constant search as a child for someone to play catch, and yearly membership on City League teams and, later, high school and college baseball teams. His love of the game was passed to his own children who he coached on various City League Teams including the Southside Raiders and the Storm. On May 14, 2001, Larry was presented with the Outstanding Volunteer Award for sixteen years of dedication to coaching and was recognized by the city for his service to the children and youth of the community. He was recognized by colleagues as a gifted coach who was able to teach his players the fundamentals of baseball as well as advanced techniques of the game. He was also recognized as representing the best in sportsmanship, which he imparted to each of his children and to the other players he coached. Larry lived by the motto, “Never let the fear of striking out stand in your way.”
Even though it was his passion, Larry’s knowledge of sports did not end with baseball. He coached St. James Girls’ Basketball 6th through 8th grades for several years. He was also a member of the Quarterback Club, and he amazed his friends and colleagues with his recall of sports trivia. In 1982, Larry, along with Tom Beytagh, Joey Bell, and Linn Burnsed, were the Half-Rubber World Championship Team.

Larry was preceded in death by his father, D.C. Crawford Sr.

He is survived by his wife, Judith Watts Crawford; his mother, Jean Watson Crawford; three sons, Michael P. Crawford Mindy, Stephen C. Crawford Stacy, Daniel Tyler Crawford; daughter, Allison Ann Crawford; five grandchildren, Hailey, Casey, Lily, Sydney and Tate Crawford; two brothers, Daniel Crawford Kay and James Crawford Angela of Augusta; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Tuesday, December 19, 2006 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a Rosary Service at 7:00 p.m. at St. James Catholic Church.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, December 20, 2006 at 2 p.m. at St. James Catholic Church with burial to follow in Hillcrest Abbey Memorial Park.

Active Pallbearers will be Mark Mamalakis, Tom Beytagh, Linn Burnsed, Joey Bel, Pat Holland, Billy Summerlin, Tom McNamara, Carl Kamppi, Buddy Padgett and Tom Corbin.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Vincent’s Academy, 207 E. Liberty Street, Savannah GA, 31401; Benedictine Military School Athletic Association, 6502 Seawright Drive, Savannah, GA 31406; or Hospice Savannah, P.O. Box 13190, Savannah GA, 31416

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

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GUEST BOOK

I share my deepest sympathy for Larry's family. My family and Lary's were long time friends from Savannah. We were teammates on the 1967 state runner up high school baseball Champions, Savannah High. He was always the perfect gentleman with a grand sense of humor. He will be missed.

- Don Riggs, Lecanto, FL

To the Crawford Family, Sorry to hear about your loss during this Holiday Season. What a difficult time of the year to lose someone so special. Mr. Crawford was a very kind and generous man. He will be remembered dearly. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.

- Carrie and Jose Ramirez, Rincon, GA

We will always remember Larry and are so sorry that he had to depart this world so soon. Judy and children we are here should you need us. Cecil and Rosemarie Mastison

- Cecil and Rosemarie, Savannah, GA

I met Mr.Crawford in 6th grade, when he coached our St. James basketball team, along with my mom. He was a great coach. He pushed us all to do our best, and I have to admit that at times I resented that, but he helped us all learn to appreciate the game and that winning wasn't the most important thing, just something we could do. He lead us to a few SPAL championships, and I think all of the other players would agree that it wouldn't have happened without him. It is a terrible loss to have to endure, but as the preacher said at my father's funeral, 'You may not have the person in physical form, but you will always have their spirit, and the many memories that you made with them. Those are things that can never be taken away.' And I would have to agree that Mr. Crawford left many wonderful memories for all of us. I would like to extend my condolences to Mrs. Crawford, Ali, and the rest of their family, as well as my support in this time of grieving. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

- Caytie Morgan, Savannah, GA

Please accept our most sincere condolences from the Riggs family. We have been friends with the Crawford family since as long as I can remember. Mildred, Terry, and Don Riggs, Faye Walker and Carol Blake

- Terry Riggs, savannah, GA

Larry: We weren't close, yet each time our paths crossed you were so friendly and we renewed our connection with so many others. You will be missed by your family and friends and you will be missed by anyone connected with youth sports in Chatham County. Those of us who had the opportunity to know you are better for that and I hope that there are some that will continue your legacy in our community. Rest in peace. You did a fantastic job while you were here with us.

- Mark Sussman, Savannah, GA

My thoughts and prayers go out to Judy and the family. Please let me know if I can do anything to help.

- Jim Myrick, Savannah, GA

We had the pleasure of working with Larry over the years on many special projects. He loved his family, his church and his community. He will be missed. Oglethorpe Marble and Granite Company family

- Susan Olson, Savannah, GA

Winsome, Adam and I met Larry in 1983 when Adam played with the Sou.Side Raiders. Five minutes after meeting him, I felt I had known him forever. He became a dear friend and neighbor but I thought of him as a brother. We will deeply miss him.

- Larry Polakov, Savannah, GA

Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

- John & Susie Donnelly and family, Evans, GA

Judy, I can't say that I know how you feel but I just wanted you to know that you have my deepest sympathy. Just know that the battle is not yours its the lords. he will not put no more on you than you can bear

- Teal Patterson, Savannah, GA