Richard Daniel Crawford

Richard Daniel Crawford, 83, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2025, in Daytona Beach, Florida, after fighting complications from the flu and pneumonia. In his last moments, he was surrounded by his family and a dear friend, a true reflection of the countless connections he made throughout his life. Richard was born on July 6, 1941, in Pensacola, Florida. He lived a full life filled with laughter, especially during his 59 wonderful years with his beloved wife, Ann Crawford. Together, they created a loving home for their two daughters; Kelly Crawford, who lives in Port Orange, Florida, and Ashley Crawford Rowlette, who has made her home in Atlanta, Georgia. His heart was proud of his grandson, Jack Crawford Rowlette, who brought much happiness into his life. In addition to being a devoted husband and father, Richard was also a fantastic friend. He shared a special bond with close friends; Robert Gassett and Buzz Pitts. He was preceded in death by his father, Warren Crawford; mother, Jean Crawford; brother-in-law, Ronnie Dunning. Richard is survived by his wife, Ann Crawford; daughters, Kelly Crawford and Ashley (John) Rowlette; grandson, Jack Rowlette; sister, Carol Madden, brothers; Gary (Kay) Crawford and Michael Crawford, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by Craig Liggon. Though he may no longer be with us, Richard’s spirit of kindness, generosity, and love for his family will always be remembered. Richard’s legacy of warmth and love will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone who knew him. Richard was a man of integrity and strength. His unwavering honesty and relentless work ethic earned him deep respect among friends and family. With an infectious smile and genuinely kind heart, Richard had an extraordinary gift for uplifting everyone around him. His love for his dogs and granddogs showcased the depth of his compassion, reminding us that true love knows no bounds. As a lifelong Florida Gators fan, Richard embraced his role as the biggest Gator ever! He was more than just a fan; he was a passionate mentor, instilling a love for sports in his daughters and fostering a spirit of teamwork and competition that would carry them through life. His enthusiasm for football and basketball inspired those around him, clarifying that sports can unite and uplift, a testament to dedication and perseverance. Richard began his professional journey at St. Regis Paper Company in Cantonment, Florida, dedicating 20 years before retiring in 1979. His early lessons in carpentry from his father paved the way for his remarkable second career as the founder of Crawford Home Builders. In this role, he created custom homes cherished by families and established himself as a respected community businessman. Richard and his beloved wife, Ann, took a bold step in 1990 by purchasing Ann’s Hallmark, working side by side and pouring their passion into a business until their well-deserved final retirement in 2001. Richard’s life was filled with adventures, including fishing trips with his brother-in-law, Ronnie, and his good friend, Buzz. After retiring, Richard and his wife, Ann, embraced their passion for gardening through the Jasmine Garden Club. They became active members of the Pensacola Federation of Garden Clubs, and organized and participated in the annual Fall Flower Show at the Pensacola Interstate Fair for over 15 years. Richard took great pride in his immaculate, nearly three-acre yard and gardens full of vibrant daylilies and majestic Japanese maple trees. He loved spending entire days in his yard, taking morning walks with coffee to enjoy the daily blooms. Jim Williamson, a family friend from St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, will officiate the service. Together, we will honor Richard’s remarkable influence on our lives, celebrating the profound difference one individual can make in the hearts of many.

Tributes

Richard Daniel Crawford

July 6, 1941 - March 1, 2025