Gary Crawford

Gary Wayne Crawford, age 76 of Pass Christian, passed away on Monday, August 24, 2020.  He was born, December 31, 1943, in Philadelphia, Mississippi to Albert W. and Ola Mae Crawford.

He grew up in Philadelphia, MS and graduated from Neshoba Central High School in 1962. He was a recognized basketball player during his high school years. After high school he worked Construction until he was drafted by the U.S. Army in 1966. His bravery during the Vietnam War earned him two purple hearts, two bronze stars, National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Vietnam Service Medal. He earned one bronze star for heroic actions taken when his base came under fire, by carrying the wounded to aid, as well as carrying ammunition to a .50 caliber machine gun from a distance of 200 meters despite intense hostile fire of which he later manned with ten to twelve men repelling the attack under hostile fire to help secure his unit the 25th Infantry Division.

After his honorable discharge, he worked construction, farmed and raised beef cattle. Upon retiring he moved to Pass Christian, Mississippi where he enjoyed cooking, canning, spending time with family and watching the freight trains go by from his front porch. Gary never met a stranger and was known for his comical stories. He loved talking with his grandchildren and hearing about all their adventures and sport activities.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Albert W. Crawford, Ola Mae Gambling Crawford; brothers, Eric Crawford and Tony Crawford.

Mr. Crawford is survived by his significant other, Molly Netherland;  daughters, Kimberly Turner (Newton, MS), Crystal Crawford (Wilmer Alabama), Olivia Crawford (Perdido, Alabama);  sons, Randy Cook (Pope, MS), Mike Cook and his wife Robbie Cook (Batesville, MS); ten grandchildren, Brittany Arledge (Philadelphia, MS), Charlsey Crawford (Wilmer, AL), Anna Turner (Newton, MS), Risher Roper (Wilmer, Al), Jessica Cook, Adam Cook, Elizabeth Cook, Hunter Cook, Rebekah Cook, and Hannah Cook all of Batesville, MS; two great-grandchildren, Braiden Arledge (Philadelphia, MS) and Brenton Bradford (Philadelphia, MS); two brothers, Don Crawford and his wife Linda of Philadelphia, MS, Mike Crawford of Philadelphia, MS;  his sister, Donna June Crawford Anthony of Union, MS; and many nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Family Service will be held on Monday, August 31, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Clermont Methodist Church of Bay St. Louis. Visitation at 12:30 at Riemann Family Funeral Home in Biloxi, MS and Graveside will be held at the National Cemetery in Biloxi, MS.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: Clermont Harbor United Methodist Church in Bay St. Louis, MS, St. Jude’s www.stjude,org., The Wounded Warrior Project @woundedwarriorproject.org/donate or Hope for the Veterans https://www.hopeforthewarriors.org/