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Willie Edward Crawford of the Springvilla community, Opelika, Alabama was born in Tuscaloosa County on July 21, 1945, He served his country in the US Army during the Vietnam era. He retired from Uniroyal Goodrich after 24 years of employment. He was an award-winning photographer that loved nature and riding his Harley Davidson. 

His favorite subjects to photograph were beach sunsets, covered bridges, and community events throughout the Auburn/Opelika area. 

Despite being a busy wedding photographer, he prioritized serving on the broadcast team at First Baptist Church of Opelika for 30 years.

Willie was preceded in death by his wife, Corentha Hysaw Crawford; parents William Crawford, Sr. (Bud), and Ruby Burroughs Crawford; brothers David Crawford and William Crawford, Jr. (Bill), and sisters Selena Marcum and Helen Harpe.

Willie is survived by his daughter, Marie Peacock (William); grandchildren, Cody Peacock (Bethany), Dustin Peacock, Rachel Hamby (Dakota), Billy Peacock (Teresa), Jonathon Peacock (Courtney), Dawn Short (Jeremy) and 10 great grandchildren. He is also survived by siblings, Luther Crawford (Penny), Pete Crawford (Sue), Daniel Crawford, Ellen Young (Kent), and Maxine Pynes (Walter); in-laws Nora Crawford, Barbara Crawford, and Lamar Harpe, as well as many other family members. A Memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. EST Saturday, January 6, 2024, at Happy Valley Baptist Church in Lanett, Alabama with the Reverend John Samanie, Jr. officiating. Visitation will be held one hour before the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Providence Baptist Church Pacesetters, the Broadcast Ministry at First Baptist Church Opelika, Chattahoochee Hospice, or Happy Valley Baptist Church.

Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home directing.