Crawford Neely "Sunny" Daughdrill

Crawford Neely “Sunny” Daughdrill passed away peacefully at his home in Gulfport, Mississippi, on October 18, 2025, at the age of 79. He was born on September 26, 1946, in Arcadia, Florida, to Crawford and Helen Daughdrill.

Although he moved frequently as a child—attending 13 different schools—Sunny managed to make and keep friendships wherever he went. He graduated from Magee High School in Magee, Mississippi, and later attended Jones County Junior College in Ellisville, Mississippi.

Sunny enlisted in the Army National Guard and later transferred to the Air National Guard. He worked for BellSouth for 31 years, where he built many lasting friendships. He also volunteered with the Telephone Pioneers, serving in leadership roles at both the state and local levels, and took great joy in the many service projects completed along the Gulf Coast.

Faith guided every aspect of Sunny’s life. He loved sharing and never missed an opportunity to witness to others. He was a member of Trinity Methodist Church in Gulfport, where he served in numerous roles over the years. His deep commitment to his faith was evident through his involvement with the Lay Renewal Ministry, where he shared his testimony at events in several states. He also served for many years as a board member for Youth for Christ, dedicating his time and talents to helping young people grow in their spiritual life.

Sunny is survived by his loving wife, Julie Cotton Daughdrill; his daughter, Shannon Daughdrill Barber (Keven); his son, Blake Daughdrill; and his stepchildren, Dray Williams, Dana Williams Jacobs (Ryan), and Jacy Williams Brown (Seth). His favorite titles were “PawPaw”, “PopPop”, and “Poppa Boy” to his nine beloved grandchildren: Gage Daughdrill, Conner Daughdrill (Emma Drousin), Batton Barber, Kimmer Barber, Sydney Barber, Kip Jacobs, Tatum Jacobs, Asa Brown, and Emri Brown. He is also survived by his sister, Pollie Anne Fryfogle, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. A special thank you to Dena Daughdrill and Thomas (Tom) Lee for their care and friendship.

Sunny had many interests throughout his life, including airplanes, classic cars, and sharing coffee or ice cream with friends. He had the gift of gab and could find someone to swap stories with wherever he went.

Sunny’s memory will live on in the friendships he made, the stories he told, and the countless lives he touched.

In honor of his commitment to youth ministries, memorials may be made to Mississippi Gulf Coast Youth for Christ.

A gathering will be held 9:30 am – 10:30 am, Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Trinity Methodist Church Parlor. In keeping with Sunny’s wishes, the graveside service will be private.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is honored to serve the Daughdrill family.