Grady J. Crawford Sr. Obituary

Grady J. Crawford Sr., 86, passed away Thursday, November 25, 2021, at his residence in Waycross, following an extended illness.

He was born in Cogdell to the late Estes "Bud" Crawford and Georgia Beverly Crawford. He was the owner and operator of Grady's Auto Repair for 50 years with interests in other business ventures. Grady was a member of Comfort Chapel Primitive Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon. He was also a veteran of the United Stated Army.

Grady was an avid sportsman and at Wacona High School lettered in three different sports. He earned the first of four letters in football as a freshman playing halfback in 1949. He earned three letters in basketball as well as three letters in baseball. Grady is known as one of the most versatile athletes to graduate from Wacona/Ware County. In 2009 he was inducted into the Waycross-Ware County Sports Hall of Fame. His interests in sports continued as he played baseball in the army.

After completing his service in the Army, Grady returned to Waycross and married Patricia L. Lairsey in 1959. The couple was married for 62 years and had six children. His children, grand and great grandchildren called him superman. Along with sports, he loved racing cars until Patricia made him give it up. He took his family swimming, water skiing, camping, hunting, and riding motorcycles. But what made Grady super was his deep love for his wife and children, his generosity, courage, and his unwavering care for family and friends. And also his intense faith in God.

For six or seven years he led a bible study at the local state prison. With Patricia and several children in tow together they led services in three nursing homes every month for almost two decades. He left the house early on Sunday mornings to pick up church members without transportation. He lived out his faith by the way he lived his life.

In addition to his parents, Grady was also preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Lairsey Crawford; a son, Michael Wayne Crawford and five siblings, Doris Lance, Catherine Lucille Shaw, Barbara Jean Boyett, Francis Wilbanks, and Rufus Crawford.

Survivors include five children, the Rev. Grady J. "Buddy" Crawford Jr., Atlanta, Tanya Gillis (Franklin), Robbie Crawford (Taressa), Scott Crawford, and Patti Sanz (Rick), all of Waycross; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two sisters, Jean Griffin (Terry), Fernandina Beach, FL and Wanda Carter (Henry), Hephzibah, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 29, at the funeral home.
Graveside funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 30, at Greenlawn Cemetery in Ware County by Elder Jason Deal.

Condolences may be expressed online at http://www.musicfuneralhome.com.

Music Funeral Home of Waycross is in charge of arrangements.