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William D. Bill Crawford
08/15/1920 — 03/17/2014
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Dandridge, TN
William D. Bill Crawford
William D. Bill Crawford was born the second of eight children and the oldest son of Hugh Crawford and Anna Mann Crawford on August 15, 1920 in Dandridge, East Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his sister, Gladys Manley, his brothers, Thomas Mann Crawford, of Jefferson City TN; Jack Crawford, of Springfield, OR. Survived by brother Charles Crawford, of Mascot, TN; sisters, Mary Gombert, Agnes Sharp, and Sarah Hensley of Jefferson City, TN. Hugh and Anna were sharecroppers. Bill was raised on a farm that he loved and he often dreamed of returning to the farming life.
Bill joined the Navy in November 1941, just before Pearl Harbor. His basic training was cut short so he could join the crew of the destroyer, USS DUNLAP. He saw action in the Pacific and lost a leg in 1943. In 1947, after the war, he came to Richland to work for General Electric. There, in 1949, he met Mildred Woods. They were married in 1950 and had two sons. William Gregory was born in 1951 and Douglas Mann was born in 1952. Bill continued to work for Westinghouse, Atlantic Richfield, and eventually retired in 1982 from Rockwell. Along the way he started to buy houses, all on the street where he lived, with the very clear intent of remodeling them to provide the nicest, most comfortable, living situations for his tenants. There could not have been a better, more conscientious and caring landlord.
As Bill loved gardening and yard work, he took care of the yards for all of his properties. In 1999, his son Greg moved back to Richland from Fresno to live with his parents, in order to provide help and support for them as health issues arose.
Bill felt the greatest loss when Mildred, his wife of 53 years, died in 2006. After that loss, with the help of his son Greg, he continued to remodel and work on his properties. Even when it became too difficult for him to stand, he still continued to do yard work, mowing lawns and trimming shrubs from his motorized cart when it was the only way he could continue to do the work that needed to be done.
Bill Crawford has left his mark on the neighborhood and in the hearts of his friends, family, and tenants. He was a very strong-willed and honest man who always tried to do the right thing. He will be greatly missed.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Memories at Sunset Event Center in Richland. Following the memorial service a graveside service will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Three Rivers Community Foundation, 1333 Columbia Park Trail, #310, Richland WA 99352.
Bill was our neighbor on Enterprise Dr., Richland for many years. One could not ask for a better neighbor than he. His generosity with his time , his tools, and his friendliness endeared him to us for all his life.
It is sad that he has passed,but we are better people having known him.
Our condolences to his family.
RIP Bill, it has been a great pleasure knowing you.
For Greg and Doug our prayers are with you.
Have fond memories of “Uncle Bill” when he would come to visit in TN. He was a wonderful person and was fortunate to have such a long, healthy life.
I only met your father a couple of times at the Manley Farm in East TN, but every one could see how much he loved and respected his family. He wanted the best for each of them. I know he will be missed by all who knew and loved him. May he rest in eternal peace. May the all the memories you have of your parents keep them alive in your hearts. With my deepest sympathy, Linda Manley
I spent many years being a Tenant of Mr Crawford,you could not have asked for a better man.
He did so much for us,I felt he was like family.We have many good memories of growing up on Birch.
Allways having a street party every Memorial day.He will be missed.
I rented the duplex right next to Bill’s house on Birch Street for over 15 years. He was a wonderful landlord. He had high standards and was an extremely hard worker, but he was also kind. He would often bring me Alberta peaches and other fruit that we both enjoyed plus I think he was encouraging me to eat healthier. He always had time to stop and visit along his travels to work on the properties and landscapes. He would share his opinions and wisdom with me without being judgmental at my decisions. His love and devotion to Mildred, especially during her last few months was inspirational. He was a good man and I was privileged to have known him. Unfortunately, Shannon and I will not be available to attend his service, but our thoughts and prayers are with Greg and the rest of the family.
I will remember Bill for more than the business he provided for our company. I thank you for the knowledge I gained by just working for you . I could imagine what those close to you feel. Your legacy will long be remembered . Rick Hilburn Silverbow
Bill was our neighbor on Enterprise Dr., Richland for many years. One could not ask for a better neighbor than he. His generosity with his time , his tools, and his friendliness endeared him to us for all his life.
It is sad that he has passed,but we are better people having known him.
Our condolences to his family.
RIP Bill, it has been a great pleasure knowing you.
For Greg and Doug our prayers are with you.
Have fond memories of “Uncle Bill” when he would come to visit in TN. He was a wonderful person and was fortunate to have such a long, healthy life.
I only met your father a couple of times at the Manley Farm in East TN, but every one could see how much he loved and respected his family. He wanted the best for each of them. I know he will be missed by all who knew and loved him. May he rest in eternal peace. May the all the memories you have of your parents keep them alive in your hearts. With my deepest sympathy, Linda Manley
I spent many years being a Tenant of Mr Crawford,you could not have asked for a better man.
He did so much for us,I felt he was like family.We have many good memories of growing up on Birch.
Allways having a street party every Memorial day.He will be missed.
I rented the duplex right next to Bill’s house on Birch Street for over 15 years. He was a wonderful landlord. He had high standards and was an extremely hard worker, but he was also kind. He would often bring me Alberta peaches and other fruit that we both enjoyed plus I think he was encouraging me to eat healthier. He always had time to stop and visit along his travels to work on the properties and landscapes. He would share his opinions and wisdom with me without being judgmental at my decisions. His love and devotion to Mildred, especially during her last few months was inspirational. He was a good man and I was privileged to have known him. Unfortunately, Shannon and I will not be available to attend his service, but our thoughts and prayers are with Greg and the rest of the family.
I will remember Bill for more than the business he provided for our company. I thank you for the knowledge I gained by just working for you . I could imagine what those close to you feel. Your legacy will long be remembered . Rick Hilburn Silverbow
Dear Bill,
Joe and I were sorry to hear about your father’s passing. I can’t remember a time my mom and dad did not mention your parents names growing up. Joe and I will be on a planned vacation or we would be there with you at Bill’s memorial. Thanking of you and your dear ones at this time.
Friends Always,
Cathy and Joe
I so look forward to celebrating and hear stories of Bill’s life with all the wonderful people who loved him during his 94 years with us. Brandi
It was interesting to learn how involved Bill was in the community & in the maintenance of West Side Church. I appreciated his sharing of knowledge of the water & sewer systems of the church.
Hope he keeps watching from Cloud 9 above.
Bill was part of a large Jefferson City, Tenn family. 4 girls-4 boys. Hard-working adults Raising great families in various parts of the country. Bill ended up in Washington next to Oregon where one of his brother’s started a logging company. He was a wonderful-smart-hard-working-larger-than-life man with a big Smile! We will truelly miss him!
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William D. Bill Crawford