Paul Flenner Crawford
January 26, 1934 – December 9, 2024
Paul Flenner Crawford was born on January 26, 1934, to Arthur Ballard & Dorothy Wingo Crawford. He was the youngest sibling to Arthur Jackson(“Jack”) Crawford and Dorothy “Joan” Crawford Allison. He was raised in Salem, Va, and was a graduate of Andrew Lewis High School, the class of ’52. There he was a member of The Monogram Club and President of the Senior Choir. He was also a member of the National Forensic Society, in which he won an award for Outstanding Public Speaking.
Paul earned his BS in Business Administration from Virginia Tech University in 1957. He was a member of the Cotillion Club and the Corps of Cadets, in which he was an Officer his senior year. While attending Tech he also became a member of the “Showtimers”, which was a part of the National Association of Community Theaters. After a “few small” parts Paul landed the leading male role in the production of “Holiday”, written by Philip Barry and Directed by the legendary Sam Goode, co-founder of the Showtimers, and Paul considered this a great privilege.
Paul then enlisted and served in the US Marine Corps, and was a member of the famous 1st Marine Division, obtaining the rank of Captain. He discovered he loved boxing during that time and became a winning coach over his division. He spent much time stationed in Okinawa, Japan, and came to love the culture there. After his four years of active duty with the Marines he continued in the Reserves, of which he was honorably discharged in 1966.
In 1961 he became an agent with State Farm Insurance and was placed in Loudon County, Va, where he met his wife, Mary, at the local bank. After dating for six weeks he proposed, leading to 49 years of a wonderful marriage and five children. In November of 1965 he moved his family to Rocky Mt., Va, where he was involved in many community networks and events. As President of the Rocky Mt Jaycees in 1968 he chaired a large fundraising drive for the Franklin County Rescue Squad that helped transition them into a primary rescue system. When Paul retired from State Farm in December of 2014, he had been an agent for almost 55 years. He earned many awards during those years, including Top Agent of the Roanoke Valley in 1970 and is listed in the “Who’s Who Among American Businessmen.” He insured up to four generations during those years and thought of policyholders as family. Many of his first policies were written standing in a field on the hood of a tractor. He was 81 when he retired and was still coming into the office daily to service, and it was that down to earth personality that made him so successful.
During this time, he and his wife, Mary, also built their dream home on the property of “Three Brooks”. Sharing the love for the outdoors and landscaping, they worked endless hours developing a Japanese Garden that was inspired by his time in Japan. Adorned with numerous Rhododendrons, arched bridges, working fountains and lanterns they hosted Garden Tours that came as far as Maryland and was featured in the Roanoke Times as a must see during the blooming season. In 2019, his daughter, Alison, moved in and became his devoted full-time caretaker. She later purchased his home, fulfilling his dream of it staying in the family and allowing him to live his life out there. Paul was preceded in death by the love of his life and soul mate, Mary. He also lost his beloved and only son, Paul Andrew (Drew) that he called “MacGyver” because he could do anything that needed to be done, and he missed him every single day; both parents and his siblings. Also, faithful employee that was part of his work family, Peggy Wray Wood; and his best friend Marshall Denison.
He is survived by his daughters and son-in-law’s Faith Crawford Deaver and Ross; Alison Crawford Vest; Kristin Crawford Bradner and Brian; Whitney Crawford Bradd and Justin; and his daughter-in-law, Teresa Wilson Crawford. He was affectionately called “Pops” and “Pop Pops” by his grandchildren who survive him: Trevor Deaver & Mike; Zachary Deaver & Michelle; Tyler Deaver & Britney; Peyton Deaver; Alec Crawford & Taylor; Corey Crawford & Casey; Megan Vest Quest & Zach; Jared Vest; Ashlyn Bradner Grindstaff & Shane; Avery Bradner; Mary-Cadence, Emma and Jonathan Bradd. Great grandchildren: Jacks, Payne, Lily, Drew, and Wills; Brother-in-law and close friend Tommy Fox; brother-in-law’s Buddy (Dawn) Stickman and Kenny (Lori) Stickman; and many nephews and nieces.
A special thank you to Dr. David Cummings and staff for their continuous care; Affinity Hospice and staff, especially Dottie, Sandra, Latasha and Clark; Care Advantage & Diane; Joe and Anita Dillon, his good friends and Pastor at Sandy Ridge Baptist, where he was a member; Pastor James Wood, a longtime friend and confidante; many friends and past policyholders in the community for their support, loyalty and business.
Paul will be remembered as a loving and adoring husband, dad, “Pops”, “Pop Pops” and friend, who worked hard, gave generously and was a true gentleman. As he would say at the end of the day or a visit: “Carry On.”
Funeral Services will be held at Sandy Ridge Baptist Church 1:00 p.m. Friday December 13, 2024 with Pastor Joe Dillon officiating. Interment will follow in Mountain View Memorial Park. His family will receive friends at the church starting at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Cool Springs Christian Church, Marlene Laprade, 900 Laprade Mill Rd Penhook VA 24137 or Rocky Mt Baptist 85 West Church St Rocky Mt VA 24151. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.