Extracted from The Daily Leader (Brookhaven, MS)
Wednesday, August 8, 2012

William Paul Crawford

Graveside services for William Paul Crawford, of Brookhaven, are 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 10, at Hollywood Cemetery in McComb. Harrigill Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Visitation is Friday from 9 until 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home.

Mr. Crawford, 94, died Aug. 3, 2012, at his home. He was born in McComb on May 4, 1918, to William Preston and Eunice Lillian Johnson Crawford.

He graduated from McComb High School. Mr. Crawford was proficient in the Greek language, having taught himself through correspondence, to better study and teach the Bible. He worked in the family plumbing business and later owned a grocery story in West McComb. He rewarded children who came into his store a nickel for memorizing Bible verses. Mr. Crawford prayed diligently for his family and friends whom he loved dearly and felt called to share the Gospel with family, friends and everyone he encountered. His favorite Bible passage was John 5:24.

Preceding him in death were his parents; two brothers, Dr. Joseph Preston Crawford and Benton Earl Crawford; nephew, Bennie Crawford; and special friend, Don Estes.

Survivors are his nieces, Jeanette Kelly and husband, Pope, of Brookhaven, Joanne Darville and husband, Robert, of McComb, and Bobbie Jean Sterling and husband, Will, of McComb; nephews, Joe Preston Crawford and wife, Mary, of Brookhaven, and Gerald Crawford, of Houston; a number of great-nieces, nephews and cousins; and special friends, Johnnie and Cathy Wooten, of Brookhaven, and Shirley Estes, of Brookhaven.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to a mission project of your choice.