William Kennith "Ken" Crawford, Sr.

William Kennith “Ken” Crawford Sr., age 85 of Gulfport, passed away on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Flora Dean Mooney Crawford, his father, William Pugh Crawford, and his sister and brother in law, Alice and Perry Ames.

William is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Peggy Herod Crawford; his children, Kimberly “Kymmer” Crawford, and William K. “Kenny” Crawford Jr. (Pam); his sisters, Jean Langford, Linda Crawford, Gail West, Patrica Moore (Charlie), and Elizabeth Nelson; his brothers, James Crawford (Debra), and George Crawford (Lolita); his grandchildren, MyKala Williams (Brandon), and Allexis Brooks; and his great-grandchildren, Liam Williams, and Ryleigh Jo Williams.

William was a native of Arkansas and Louisiana and a long time resident of Gulfport, Mississippi. He earned and an associate’s degree in Electronics and proudly served in the United States Air Force for 20 years. A dedicated Vietnam veteran, he completed two tours of duty in Vietnam, serving his country with honor and distinction. He was a Naval Oceanographer for 21 years, contributing significantly to his field.

Beyond his professional achievements, William enjoyed a life rich in interests and passions. He was a devoted fan of the New Orleans Saints and the Biloxi Seawolves and especially loved spending time playing mahjong with friends and family.

A man of deep faith, William served as a deacon at Pass Road Church and Edgewater Fellowship. He loved Jesus, cherished prayer, and faithfully lived out his beliefs through service to others.

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." -Romans 8:28-39

A service will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, MS, with visitation beginning at 1:00 pm.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Light Singing River and Raven Sanders, C.N.A.; In Lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.

The Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road, in Gulfport is proudly serving the family. An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com .