Gilbert Crawford

Gilbert Leigh Crawford, age 90 of Hendersonville and formally of Springfield, passed away at Skyline Medical Center on August 31, 2021.

He was born on May 20, 1931 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama to the late Leslie Christine and Sarah Elizabeth Narcissa Crawford. He joined the United States Air Force where he served four years and fought in the Korean War before being honorable discharged as a Staff Sergeant. Mr. Crawford married the love of his life on July 16, 1957, Ms. Shirley Fair and he would be blessed with two beautiful daughters. He graduated from the University of Alabama in 1958 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce Business Administration. Mr. Crawford started his career in management as the assistant manager of GC Murphy in Alabama before moving to Lafarge Cement Company as the manager where he would finish his career and retire with over 40 years.

Mr. Crawford a devout Christian loved going to church at South Haven Baptist Church where he was a long-time member and usher on Sunday morning. He never missed a Sunday until he and his wife moved to Hendersonville with their daughter. Mr. Crawford loved his family and especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed working on old cars, going camping and watching his Alma Mater- the University of Alabama- GO BAMA!

In addition to his parents, Mr. Crawford is preceded in death by his brothers, Leslie Crawford, Jr., Alton Crawford and Albert Crawford.

He is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Shirley Jean Crawford; daughters, Patricia (Stephen) Gervasi and Sherri Johnson; grandchildren, Anna (Kenny) Strickland, Justyn (Hannah) Gervasi, Branden Johnson, Amber (Joseph) Simpson, Lindsay (Dylan) Allen, Aimee Johnson and Benjamin (Courtney) Johnson; great-grandchildren, Jake, Avery, Joleigh, Autry Simpson, Brody and Barrett Allen and Gannon Gervasi; brother, David, (Libby) Crawford; brothers-in-law, TC Fair and Lawrence (Sharon) Fair; sister-in-law, Janice Crawford and a host of nieces and nephews.

A Life Celebration will be held at 1pm on Tuesday, September 7th at South Haven Baptist Church with Brother Frank Gagliano and Dr. Steve Blazer officiating. Burial will follow at Springfield Memorial Gardens with Justyn Gervasi, Branden Johnson, Benjamin Johnson, Richard Crawford, Stephen Gervasi and Joseph Simpson serving as pallbearers. Mr. Crawford’s dear friends, Jerry Fuqua, Richard Burgess and members of South Haven Baptist Church will be Honorary Pallbearers.  The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 12pm until the time of service.  Online condolences can be made at www.SpringfieldFH.com. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to South Haven Baptist Church.

These arrangements were entrusted to Springfield Memorial Gardens, Funeral Home and Cremation Center: 4005 Memorial Blvd Springfield, TN 37172: 615-384-5437.