William Patrick "Bill" Crawford II passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of October 24, 2026, at the age of 95.
Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Eloise Deloach Crawford; his parents, Exie Gibbs and William Crawford. He was also preceded in death by his grandparents, Mama Lula and Daddy Punch, who raised him in Wrightsville, Ga.
Bill served in the United States Air Force and retired as a tech sergeant after 21 years. He was stationed all over the world, but he always spoke of his time in Thailand, Bermuda and the Philippines. He served in the Korean and Vietnam wars.
Bill later retired from the physical plant at Georgia Southern University, where he worked as an engineer for 20 years.
Even after retiring from two extended careers, he then went on to work in the maintenance department at Pineland Mental Health.
Bill was known for his ability to repair anything that needed his attention and could almost always be found tinkering in his garage or cutting grass to maintain his and Eloise's perfectly manicured lawn. Nearly every afternoon, Bill and Eloise could be found swinging together on their back porch, sipping a rum and Diet Coke watching the birds.
Bill was also an avid bass fisherman and participated in countless fishing tournaments with his late brother-in-law, Clifton Royal. He made memories with his family every summer during their family vacation on Tybee Island.
Every morning, Bill could be found riding his bike around the island or searching for treasures using his metal detector.
Bill passed down a legacy of unconditional love and devotion to his family. This was most evident in his beautiful, 71-year marriage to Eloise. The two were rarely ever seen without each other and their unwavering commitment to their union was an example for all. They said goodbye on June 13, 2025.
Bill was a resident of Southern Manor assisted living facility, where he was quickly known as their front porch greeter. He was adored and lovingly cared for by their staff and management, who helped him through his heartache of losing Eloise.
He is survived by his son, William Patrick "Pat" (Debbie) Crawford of Nevils, Ga.; granddaughters, Jami (Brian) Newland of Richmond Hill, Ga.; and Ally (Kurt) Hardison of Macon, Ga.; three great-grandsons, Liam Newland, Brice Newland and Cade Hardison; his sister, Connie Lyons of Atlanta, Ga.; sisters-in-law, Patricia Royal and Shirlie Johnson; and nephews, Darrell (Janet) Royal, Daniel (Marsha) Johnson, Todd Standridge; niece, Robin (Doug) Martinelli; and cousin, Carolyn Dillard of Fairburn, Ga.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, from 1 until 2 p.m. at Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home in Statesboro, GA, followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home with Dr. George Dillard officiating. Interment will be held at Bulloch Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers are Brian Newland, Kurt Hardison, Darrell Royal, Daniel Johnson, Ty Dillard, Brad Dillard and Andy Dillard.
Friends and family may sign the online register book at www.joineranderson.com.
Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home & Crematory of Statesboro is in charge of the arrangements.
His memory will be cherished by his family and all who knew and loved him.
Memorial contributions should be sent to Pineland CSB Mental Health, 131 North College Street, Statesboro, GA 30458.
Statesboro Herald, October 28, 2026
Sign the Legacy online guestbook at www.statesboroherald.com.