Tommy Lee Crawford

Obituary For Tommy Lee Crawford

Celebration of Life

Tommy Lee Crawford, more affectionately known as Daddy, Pawpaw and Top Cat, was born January 17, 1935 to Robert and Sallie Stowe Crawford in Gastonia, North Carolina. Our Dad was the fourth oldest of eight children. Daddy was a loving and dedicated father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend who took care of us all, as well as many others. He showed his love by always putting others before himself. Dad not only loved his family, but he loved God most. After being saved in our family’s living room many years ago, he lived by God’s principles. Although our Dad was a man of few words, he wouldn’t hesitate to lead his family in prayer and in doing so, he would always conclude by saying, “Lord, help us to do the things that are pleasing in Your sight”. Tommy was a member of Boyd Friendship Baptist church up until he started experiencing health issues. He served on the Trustee Board, Usher Board, Transportation Ministry and Grounds keeper. He didn’t mind serving the Lord in any capacity the church and/or his community needed him.

Tommy loved his Morning Glory family. He would always lend a helping hand to his neighbors. Whether it was in the form of cutting grass, fixing on cars or doing whatever was asked of him; if he could, he would with a smile on his face. And we dare NOT forget to mention he was a Dallas Cowboy Fan...WooHoo!

Tommy was employed as a Doffer/Machinist for over 30+ years in the textiles industry. He worked at Chronicle Mills, Climax Mills, Burlington Industries, and Beltex Corporation. After retiring, he was employed by Sacred Heart Catholic School as the Custodian Supervisor. Tommy loved his family and worked hard to provide for their every need.

Sixty-three years ago, on September 5th, Tommy made the love of his life, Mary Zita Tate his wife. From this loving and inseparable union came six daughters, Mary Francine Arroyo (Jose’) of Gastonia, NC, LyTanna Margo Sadler of Belmont, NC, Sandra Delores Crawford of Belmont, NC, Veronica Antoinette Crawford of Belmont, NC, Serbrena Doshika Young (Kevin) of Lake Wylie, SC and April LeShay Crawford of Gastonia, NC.

On the morning of December 12, 2022, God called our Daddy home to begin his new chapter as our Guardian Angel. He joins both his parents, sisters; Moena Mitchell and Zelma Sanders, brothers; Roosevelt, Raymond, Robert, Jr., James and grandson Devon. Along with our Mom, Mary Zita Tate Crawford and immediate family, our Daddy leaves to cherish his memories to one son; Robert Moss (Barbara) of Norfolk, VA, one sister; Lucille McElhaney of Gastonia, NC, a special granddaughter; Tiffany Michelle Crawford of Belmont, NC, a special niece; Dorothy Tate of Gastonia, NC, 24 Grandchildren, 34 Great Grandchildren and a host of other family and friends.

Our Daddy, Tommy Lee Crawford, leaves a legacy of love, faithfulness, support, and strength. He will FOREVER be missed.

Funeral Arrangements Are As Follow:

PLACE: Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, 1420 Crowders Mountain Road, Bessemer City, NC 28016

DATE & TIME: Saturday, December 17, 2022 @ 2:00 P.M.

VISITATION: At the church on Saturday one hour prior to service from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M.

BURIAL: Private

NO PUBLIC VIEWING