Joseph Crawford

Mr. Joseph "Joe" F. Crawford, age 93, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Thursday, December 25, 2014 at his home in Sparta.

Mr. Crawford was born January 4, 1921 in the Eastland Community to Albert Barton Crawford and Josie Rebecca Scott Crawford. He was married to the late Myrtle Ruth Marlow Crawford for 57 years. Mr. Crawford was a World War II veteran, having served in the Army from September 14, 1942 until December 11, 1945. He served in the 527th Ordinance, attached to the 1st Provisional Tank Group-Chinese/American (the first Chinese tank group ever organized) in the China Burma India theater of war. He was proud to be known as a WWII veteran.

Mr. Crawford was a farmer and dairyman for many years and also drove a school bus for the White County Department of Education. He was an avid reader and historian. Mr. Crawford had a most unusual memory, he remembered dates and facts and recalling events that had occurred during his lifetime. He remembered birth dates and many people received a "Happy Birthday" wish from Him.

Mr. Crawford was the surviving charter member of the Bon Air Church of God. He was very faithful to his church, serving as clerk and song leader of the church for over 50 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Myrtle Ruth Marlow Crawford; sisters, Christine Johnson and Billie Ruth McBride; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Ella Marlow; sister-in-law, Fay Gibson, brothers-in-law, James and Bill Marlow, Dennis Baird, Richard Givens, Virgus Hughes, Walter Rindfleisch and James Johnson. Survivors include children, Mike Crawford and wife Patti of Sparta, Steve Crawford and wife Patricia of Murfreesboro and Sarah Palmer and husband Bobby of Cookeville; grandchildren, Reed (Vanessa) Palmer, Beth (Jonathan) Howard, Becky (Matt) White, Brandon (Shelia) Crawford, Stephanie Crawford, and Stephen (Tammy) Crawford Jr.; great grandchildren, Anthony, Andrew, Alexander and Aaron Palmer, Paige and Kate Howard, Logan White, Hannah Crawford, Merlyna and Myleah Decker, and Ethan Crawford; step-grandchildren, Jennifer (Michael) Freeland and Jason Wallace; step great grandchildren, Lance, Aleese and Conlan Freeland and Layne, Hunter, Chance and Madeline Grace Wallace; and sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, many friends and neighbors.

ARRANGEMENTS

Funeral services will be held at Bon Air Church of God, Sunday, December 28, 2014 at 1:30 p.m. Officiating will be Bro. Larry Dye, Bro. Leroy Forgey and Bro. Jerry Barnwell, and Interment will follow in the Eastland Cemetery. Pallbearers, Reed Palmer, Stephen Crawford Jr., Brandon Crawford, Jonathan Howard, Matt White, Jason Wallace, and Mark Cooper.

Family will receive friends at Thurman Funeral Home, Saturday, December 27, 2014 at 5:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m.

Please sign guestbook www.thurmanfuneral.com Thurman Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.